According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), an estimated number of three million non-fatal workplace illnesses and injuries are being reported every year. To prevent minor workplace injuries from becoming serious, OSHA requires that first aid supplies and responders should be made available to treat injuries occurring in the workplace. All workplaces including those with fewer than five employees and the self-employed must provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to ensure that employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work.
An essential requirement for any workplace is having a fully stocked first aid kit. While most incidents in an office workplace won’t be life-threatening, knowing how to administer treatment and use the equipment in the first aid kit properly could be the difference between returning to work or going to the hospital. Knowing how tight to wrap a bandage or which dressing to use in the first aid kit can affect the employee’s recovery.
The type of first aid kit that a workplace must have should be designed based on the job specific risks. Supplies that are necessary to meet such unique needs should be included in the kit. It should contain supplies that can deal with common workplace injuries, which include both major and minor wounds, sprains, strains, minor burns, and eye injuries.
The employer must inform all employees of the first aid kit locations and provide training and supplies. They are required to keep the workplace first aid kits stocked adequately. It is very important for employers to ensure that they fulfill their legal responsibilities by offering immediate and appropriate treatment to employees, as well as supporting employees with their work-related health issues. Employees should minimize the workplace risks by following the safety protocols in the workplace.
Call Fire Control Systems with any questions concerning workplace safety.
