How are workplace injuries categorized?

Workplace injuries are categorized primarily by severity to effectively assess the nature of the injury and determine the appropriate response and reporting requirements. The classification typically includes categories such as first aid, which involves minor injuries that can be treated on-site; medical treatment, which indicates injuries needing a healthcare professional's intervention; and hospitalization, which signifies severe injuries requiring overnight care or more intensive medical attention.

This method of categorization is crucial as it allows safety professionals and management to analyze trends in workplace injuries, prioritize safety measures, and develop relevant training and protocols to prevent future incidents. Other categorization methods, such as by the color of uniforms, the type of equipment used, or the age of the worker, do not provide useful insights into the safety and health of the workforce or facilitate proactive measures for injury prevention.