6 OSHA First-Aid Best Practices

11/16/2020 (Permalink)

OSHA requires at least one first aid kit at every workplace

Maintain A Safe Work Environment

Emergencies don’t announce themselves pre-arrival. Make sure that your worksite(s) in Perry, OK, are adequately equipped well in advance. Accidents can happen in any environment. Therefore, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires at least one first aid kit at every workplace (the type and quantity depend on specific hazards and the number of employees). OSHA offers some best practices for employers to maintain a safe work environment.

1. Assess Risks
To sufficiently stock the kit, you should conduct a risk assessment for your worksite(s). Once this is complete, your first aid program should have plenty of supplies should a crisis occur.

2. Choose Relevant Supplies
After the risk assessment, you’ll have a better understanding of the likelihood of certain types of injuries occurring. This will help determine if there are more specific supplies you should keep on hand in addition to the basics.

3. Make Supplies Accessible
OSHA requires that a fully-stocked emergency kit remains easily accessible. Everyone needs to know where to find these supplies. Place each first aid kit and related emergency information in a conspicuous place that any employee can access at a moment’s notice.

4. Provide Training
First aid supplies aren’t very beneficial if people don't have the knowledge or confidence to use them correctly. First aid training should be offered to all employees. It should also include some items specific to your industry if extraordinary job hazards exist. You should periodically update this information and training, as it’s easy to forget some aspects or overlook essential safety updates.

5. Designate a Director
Designate someone to organize contingency plans for disasters such as workplace accidents, storm damage, fire or flood. They’ll be in charge of stocking and maintaining first aid supplies and other emergency equipment. It’s also critical that they stay updated on OSHA regulations. A list of emergency contacts such as emergency restoration professionals should be posted.

6. Review
The first-aid leader should monitor overall workplace safety and potential hazards. Emergency policies, equipment, supplies and training should be modified as necessary.
An emergency can arise at any time. It’s critical to keep a first aid kit available and a plan in place.