14 Jul First Aid

First Aid

Workplace injuries and medical emergencies can happen without warning. A prompt and appropriate response can make a significant difference in the severity of an injury and, in some cases, can save a life. Employees should know how to report a medical emergency, who is trained to provide first aid, and where emergency equipment is located before an emergency occurs.

Be Prepared Before an Emergency

Every employee should know:

• How to summon emergency medical assistance.
• The worksite address or location and any information needed to direct emergency responders to the scene.
• Where emergency telephone numbers and instructions are posted.
• Who at the worksite is trained in first aid and CPR.
• Where first aid kits, AEDs, eyewash stations, emergency showers, and other emergency equipment are located, when applicable.
• The procedures for reporting workplace injuries and illnesses.

Emergency information should be clearly communicated and kept current.

First Aid Providers

When medical treatment is not reasonably accessible in terms of time and distance from the workplace, OSHA requires a person with a valid certificate in first-aid training to be available at the worksite.

Only employees who have received appropriate training should provide first aid beyond basic assistance within their level of knowledge and training.

Employees should never attempt a medical procedure for which they have not been trained.

Responding to an Injury or Medical Emergency

When an injury or sudden illness occurs:

1. Assess the scene before approaching. Look for electrical hazards, traffic, fire, chemicals, falling objects, machinery, or other conditions that could injure you or the victim.
2. Call for help. Notify the designated first aid responder and call 911 or the appropriate emergency medical service when necessary.
3. Provide the exact location. Give responders the worksite address, access point, building or work area, and nature of the emergency.
4. Do not move a seriously injured person unless leaving the person in place creates a greater immediate danger.
5. Provide first aid only within your level of training.
6. Keep unnecessary personnel away from the area and provide emergency responders with clear access.
7. Have someone meet emergency responders and direct them to the injured employee when appropriate.
8. Follow company procedures for reporting the injury or illness after the immediate emergency has been addressed.

First Aid Supplies

First aid supplies should be readily accessible and appropriate for the hazards and number of employees at the worksite.

First aid kits should be:

• Located where employees can quickly access them.
• Clearly identified.
• Protected from contamination and damage.
• Periodically inspected.
• Restocked promptly after supplies are used.
• Supplemented when workplace hazards require specialized first aid equipment or supplies.

Larger or geographically dispersed worksites may require multiple first aid kits so supplies can be reached promptly.

Blood and Other Potentially Infectious Materials

Employees providing first aid should protect themselves from exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials.

When appropriate:

• Wear disposable medical examination gloves.
• Use CPR barriers or other available protective equipment.
• Avoid direct contact with another person’s blood.
• Wash hands thoroughly after providing assistance.
• Properly dispose of contaminated materials.
• Report occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials immediately and follow the company’s exposure-control procedures.

Remote and Isolated Worksites

Emergency planning is especially important when employees work in remote locations or where emergency medical services may have extended response times.

Before work begins, determine:

• How emergency assistance will be contacted.
• How responders will locate and access the worksite.
• What first aid and rescue equipment is necessary.
• Who is trained to provide first aid.
• How an injured employee will be transported or evacuated if necessary.
• Whether reliable communication is available.

Employees should not begin remote work without an appropriate emergency-response plan.

Know Your Limitations

Good intentions are not a substitute for training. Improper treatment can worsen an injury or expose the person providing assistance to additional hazards.

If you are not trained in first aid:

• Immediately summon qualified assistance.
• Protect the injured person from additional hazards when it is safe to do so.
• Follow instructions from emergency dispatchers or trained responders.
• Remain with the person when appropriate until qualified help arrives.

Remember

The time to learn your workplace’s emergency procedures is before someone gets hurt. Know how to call for help, know who is trained in first aid and CPR, know where emergency equipment is located, and never put yourself in danger while attempting to assist someone else.