Promoting Health and Protecting Life

Buckle Up For Love | Safety Observance Calendar | Network of Employers for Traffic Safety | Related Links | Safety Topic of the Month | Automated External Defibrillators | National Safety Month
PRINTER FRIENDLY

Safety Topic of the Month: February 2012  

Medical Services & First Aid

Workplace injuries can be costly for companies. According to the National Safety Council's 2011 Injury Facts publication, in a typical year, there are:

• More than 3,500 work-related fatalities.
• Approximately 5.1 million work-related injuries.
• Approximately 95 million lost workdays from non-fatal injuries.

Prompt, properly administered first aid can mean the difference between life and death, rapid versus prolonged recovery, or temporary versus permanent disability. Your company may emphasize a safe environment, but when accidents happen it is important to have someone who knows how to handle the situation effectively.

What must my employer do?

Your employer must provide:

• Medical personnel available for advice and consultation on occupational health matters.
• A person or persons adequately trained to render first aid, in the absence of an infirmary, clinic or hospital near proximity to the workplace, which is used for the treatment of all injured employees.
• Adequate first aid supplies.
• Suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body, where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials.

Emergency response time

Your employer must provide an emergency response time of:

• 15 minutes in non-life-threatening situations.
• Three to four minutes in life-threatening situations.

First responder training

Employers who are expected to provide first aid should have an understanding of

• The types of injuries likely to happen in the workplace.
• Universal precautions for first aid procedures.
• The location and use of first aid supplies and equipment.
• The procedures to follow when approaching an accident scene and the victim(s).

Do you need help with your first aid training, program and supplies?

The Utah Safety Council has several resources that can help.

• Have your own certified first aid instructor at your facility.
• Send your employees to one of our currently scheduled First Aid, CPR and AED courses.
• Schedule an on-site course where we come out and train your employees.
• Utilize the Utah Safety Council's Safety Media Library for first aid refresher training.
• Do you need a new first aid kit for your facility?
• Have you thought about having an AED at your facility? Do you need more information about AEDs and their use?

Search

Chapter of: