Even for the safest companies, accidents can and do occur. And when an emergency arises, how you have prepared in advance makes all the difference in leading to a positive outcome. This calls for having an effective Emergency Action Plan in place as well as first aid supplies and equipment on hand in conjunction with trained personnel who know how to properly respond in case of an accident.
First aid requirements in the workplace are covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standard 29 CFR 1910.151.
OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.151(a)
It is a requirement of OSHA that employees be given a safe and healthy workplace that is reasonably free of occupational hazards. However, it is unrealistic to expect accidents not to happen. Therefore, employers are required to provide medical and first aid personnel and supplies commensurate with the hazards of the workplace.
The OSHA standard requirements are simple, but it’s important that your workplace complies with all aspects of the program. Documentation is essential. If you don’t document it, you might as well not even do it.
Emergency Action Plans
OSHA requires that most workplaces have an emergency action plan that identifies the emergency action steps specific to the worksite. Information regarding emergency action plans can be found in OSHA Standard 1910.38. The wood products industry and industrial facilities fall under the workplaces that require an emergency action plan.
The plan must be in writing, be kept in the workplace and be available to all employees. Employers with 10 or fewer year-around workers may have a verbal plan. When the verbal plan is allowed, employers need to have the plan in writing for the purpose of documentation and training.
Your company’s Emergency Action Plan should detail the following, regarding first aid emergencies:
· Where the first aid kits are located
· Who is trained in first aid
· Steps to be taken in the event of a first aid or medical emergency
· Locations of the nearest medical facilities
The following is a basic first aid section of an Emergency Action Plan:
Medical emergency
Call 911 for all unknown medical emergencies, serious injuries, or when personnel have or are experiencing any of the following; Altered level of consciousness, unconsciousness, heat related illnesses, severe hypothermia, choking, trouble breathing, possible stroke, chest pain, possible poisoning, head, neck, or spinal injuries, or profuse bleeding.
The following personnel are trained in First Aid: _________________________________
Nearest First aid kit location: _________________________________
Automated External Defibrillator (AED) location: _________________________________
• Do not move personnel with head, neck, or possible spinal injuries unless their life is in immediate danger.
• Provide first aid within your scope of training to the injured
• You may need to meet emergency personnel in order to direct emergency personnel to the site of the emergency. If directions are verbally given you must be specific.
• In cases where an air ambulance is responding, they will need an area of approximately 120’ of cleared land, which is free of overhead obstacles such as power lines
Location and contact information for the nearest medical facilities (List 3)
Name Location Phone#
____________________ ______________________ _________________
____________________ ______________________ _________________
____________________ _____________________ _________________
First Aid Kit / Supplies
The new American National Safety Institute ANSI Z308.1-2015 update now includes two classes of first aid kits, based on the contents and quantity of first aid supplies included in those kits. Class A kits are designed for the most common workplace injuries. Class B kits have a wider range of supplies to deal with more complex injuries or high-risk environments. The 2015 update also designates first aid kits by Type (I, II, III, or IV). The Type is determined by the work environment where the kit will be used.
The following list identifies the minimum required supplies for a first aid kit. The supplies must be adequate for the number of employees in the workplace. When larger operations or multiple operations are being conducted at the same location, additional first-aid kits should be provided at the work site or additional quantities of supplies should be included in the first-aid kits. Logging operations require additional supplies that can be found in ANSI Z308.1-2015
Basic required first aid supplies include: adhesive bandage –16, adhesive tape –1, antibiotic application –10, antiseptic –10, breathing barrier –1, burn dressing (gel soaked) –1, burn treatment –10, cold pack –1, eye covering –2, eye/skin wash (1fl oz. total), eye/skin wash (4fl oz. total), first aid guide – 1, hand sanitizer – 6, medical exam gloves – 2 pair, roller bandage (2in) – 1, roller bandage (4in) – 1, scissors – 1, sterile pad – 2, tourniquet – 1, trauma pad – 2, triangular bandage – 1, CPR barrier –1.
First Aid and CPR Training
OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.151(b)
In the absence of an infirmary, clinic, or hospital in near proximity to the workplace which is used for the treatment of all injured employees, a person or persons shall be adequately trained to render first aid. Adequate first aid supplies shall be readily available.
OSHA does not require that all workplaces have first aid and CPR certified personnel in the workplace. OSHA does require workplaces have persons be trained when the workplace is not in near proximity to medical services. Training is also required in workplaces that perform hazardous job tasks or activities. This would include: wood products, logging, agriculture, mining, electrical contractors and workers, chemical manufacturing, demolition, and construction to name a few. It’s also recommended when you employee over 25 employees.
Employers should obtain estimates of Fire/EMS response times for all permanent and temporary locations and for all times of the day and night at which they have workers on duty. Factors such as paid or volunteer Fire/EMS must be considered.
How to determine whether your workplace is in “Near proximity” to an infirmary, clinic or hospital? A good rule is response times of under 10 minutes, or under 10 miles from the nearest medical facility.
It’s recommended that you have two first aid and CPR trained personnel for the first 20 employees, and a 1-to-20 ratio after that. The American Red Cross, Medic First Aid and the American Heart Association are three examples of first aid and CPR certification providers.
All first aid and CPR personnel must be provided with the proper personal protective equipment. OSHA also requires that all personnel that can be expected to come into contact with human blood and other potentially infectious materials be trained in Bloodborne Pathogen Controls and Universal Precautions. This would obviously include those that are first aid and CPR certified at the workplace. Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens training requirements can be found in OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.1030.
Emergency Eye Wash Stations and Showers
OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.151(c)
Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use.
When workers can be exposed to hazardous or corrosive chemicals you are required to have an eye wash station within the work area. This usually means within 10 seconds, and without any obstructions, such as equipment, walls, or doors. Note: Eye wash stations are required to provide a minimum of 15-minute flow. When exposures to battery acids, or other corrosives exists, an emergency shower may also be required.
Automated External Defibrillators (AED)
It wasn’t long ago that defibrillators were found only in ambulances or hospitals, but times have changed. Now, buying an automated external defibrillator (AED) for your workplace is a smart and worthwhile investment.
In order for a victim of cardiac arrest to survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, four interdependent actions need to take place, known as the Cardiac Chain of Survival:
· Early access and activation of emergency medical services (EMS)
· Early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
· Early defibrillation
· Early advanced care
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), EMS personnel respond to approximately 300,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests annually. Yet, on average, less than 8% of people who experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survive to hospital discharge. Someone experiencing cardiac arrest is 2-3 times more likely to survive if a bystander applies an AED before EMS arrival. At the onset of a cardiac arrest, the survival rate decreases by 10% for each minute that CPR and the use of an AED are delayed.
Many states have enacted laws requiring AEDs to be made available in places like federal buildings, schools, businesses, medical offices, dental offices and other public gathering areas where 50 or more people gather. Since each state has different requirements, you should contact your state’s regulatory authority for information about whether you’re required to make an AED available at your particular location or business.
Many employers are finding that their workforce is aging, and with that factor alone, have found the purchase of an AED a good idea. These machines are easy to use and fully automated. All you have to do is follow the verbal directions provided by the AED.
Remember, with all workplace regulations it’s always best to check with your state’s individual requirements. The standards provided are all federal OSHA regulations; your state may have some different requirements. The right first aid supplies and trained staff can make all the difference before EMS arrive on the scene. Don’t ignore this part of your safety planning. It can save lives, maybe even your own.
Editor’s Note: Jary Winstead is a safety consultant, author and trainer who serves a variety of industries including the forest products sector. He owns Work Safety Services LLC and can be reached at SAFEJARY@gmail.com.
