Back to Basics: Workplace Medical and First Aid

Back to Basics is a weekly feature that highlights important, often overlooked information that EHS professionals need to know. This week, OSHA requirements for workplace medical and first aid and medical and first aid programs.

It is the job of safety professionals to reduce accidents and provide a safer workplace, but accidents do happen from time to time. To prepare for accidents, OSHA requires employers to provide medical and first aid personnel and supplies for each workplace hazard. The details of workplace medical and first aid plans will vary depending on the needs of each workplace and employer, but OSHA provides general guidance.

standard

OSHA defines first aid as a medical procedure usually performed immediately after an injury has occurred and at the location where it occurred. It usually consists of a one-time, short-term treatment that requires little skill or training to administer. First aid includes:

• Cleans minor cuts, scrapes and scratches
• Treatment of minor burns
• Application of bandages and bandages
• Use of over-the-counter drugs
• expel blisters,
• remove dust from eyes
• Massage
• drink fluids to relieve heat stress

Employers are required by OSHA to have medical personnel readily available for advice and consultation on health issues. If the clinic, clinic or hospital used to treat all injured employees is not located near the workplace, the person or persons must be properly trained to administer first aid.

Adequate first aid supplies must be readily available, and if the eyes or body may be exposed to harmful corrosive substances, quickly remove the eyes and body for immediate emergency use in the work area. Appropriate equipment for wetting and washing should be provided. Additionally, according to OSHA’s updated recordkeeping regulations, documentation is not required for first aid cases.

first aid program

According to OSHA, first aid training is available primarily through the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, National Safety Council (NSC), and other private agencies. The American Heart Association, American Red Cross, and NSC offer standard and advanced first aid courses within their local chapters and training centers.

The program focuses on rapid response to first aid situations and includes other elements such as basic first aid interventions, basic adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and universal self-protection. Focused. The trainee will receive her Adult CPR and First Aid certificate upon completing the course and passing the practical exam.

Participants receive specific training for each type of injury, including shock, bleeding, poisoning, burns, temperature extremes, musculoskeletal injuries, bites and strings, medical emergencies, and confined spaces. Teaching principles of first aid intervention for injuries covers injuries to the head and neck, eyes, nose, mouth and teeth, chest, abdomen, hands, fingers and feet.

According to OSHA, employers are responsible for the type, quantity, and maintenance of first aid supplies required for a particular program. Training programs should be regularly reviewed using the latest first aid techniques and knowledge.

CPR training should include trainees who develop “hands-on” skills through manikin use and partner practice. Adult basic her CPR retesting should be performed annually and first aid skills and knowledge should be reviewed by him every 3 years.

Click for more information on OSHA medical and first aid requirements. here.