First Aid Programs are a necessary part of any workplace to address injuries and illnesses. Basic First Aid Programs include CPR training and quick response first aid basics. Other program elements include basic first aid intervention, basic adult CPR, and universal precautions for self-protection.
Your workplace First Aid Program should go further than the basics. Your program should cover specifics to the type of injuries that can occur on your work sites – shock, bleeding, poisoning, burns, temperature extremes, musculoskeletal injuries, bites and stings, medical emergencies, and confined spaces.
The first step to customizing your First Aid Program is to obtain and evaluate information about injuries, illnesses and fatalities at your work sites. Some helpful records to utilize for this include the OSHA 300 log, OSHA 301 forms, Workers’ Compensation insurance carrier reports, or other safety records you may have available to you through your workplace Safety & Health Management program.
It can also be helpful to review data on injuries, illnesses, and fatalities for your industry. This will help you in preparing for potential hazards that are common in your industry, but which you may not have encountered on your work sites yet.
Once you have compiled data on the injuries, illnesses and fatalities you should address with your First Aid Program, planning and training are imperative. Supplies for First Aid response should be made available in easily accessible locations. Employers are responsible for the type, amount, and maintenance of first aid supplies needed. The most thorough plans and supplies will not save lives without training your workers to respond in the appropriate manner.
Designating individuals with the skills necessary to undertake CPR and first aid responses will clearly outline responsibilities during an emergency. These individuals should receive thorough training, in all the areas determined essential to your plan, from certified staff for both CPR and first aid basics.
To help best prepare your workers in First Aid, obtain estimates on response times from local EMS and other rescue services. This will inform your trainers on how much first aid knowledge will be necessary to address emergency situations until professional help can arrive.
All First Aid Program policies and procedures should be written down, provided to your workers, and enforced by management. Be sure that all of your workers know the policies, including those that may not speak or read English. Your Program should be reviewed periodically to make sure it is in compliance with current first aid techniques and knowledge, as well as potential injuries and illnesses. Basic adult CPR retesting should occur every year and first aid skills and knowledge should be reviewed at least every three years. OSHA recommends training include hands-on aspects such as mannequins and partner practice.
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