Question:
When estimating risk, injuries must be classified into 4 points:
1. No injury
2. Slight injury
3. Serious injury
4. Death
Points 1. and 4. are clear. Points 2 and 3 are unclear. For example, how do you classify a simple break of a finger or a compound fracture of the femur?
Answer:
There are no fixed specifications for estimating risk/classifying injury. We recommend the following classification:
Slight injury: e.g. slight impact, slight bruising, bruise, or similar. In other words, an injury that does not require medical attention or sick leave.
Serious injury: e.g. broken bone or a deep cut. Generally this is an injury that requires medical attention and may result in sick leave.
When classifying the injury, the "worst case" from the potential hazard should always be assumed.