First Aid in the Workplace: Are You Prepared?

Summary: Ensuring employees have a basic understanding of first aid and how to respond in an emergency is crucial for promoting a safe workplace. Learn more about OSHA’s first aid requirements, fundamental first aid procedures, and how to build well-equipped first aid kits for the workplace.

First Aid in the Workplace: Is Your Business Prepared?

Workplace accidents can still occur despite the best preparations and the implementation of numerous safety precautions. Injuries can range from minor incidents, such as paper cuts, to more severe cases like broken limbs, or even worse. Additionally, employees may suffer health issues from chemical exposure or medical conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. Timely and proper application of first aid can not only reduce recovery time for the injured but could also save lives.

OSHA First Aid Requirements for Employers

All employers should establish a workplace safety program to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries on the job. Developing safety rules and policies specific to the organization should also be integrated into employees’ daily activities.

However, when an injury or illness occurs, the OSHA First Aid standard (20 CFR 1920.151) mandates that employers must have trained first aid providers available in workplaces of any size if no infirmary, clinic, or hospital nearby can treat injured employees. Moreover, OSHA guidelines require training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) because sudden cardiac arrest can result from asphyxiation, electrocution, or physical exertion. CPR can help sustain a victim's life until emergency medical services arrive to provide professional care.

Many reputable organizations, such as the Red Cross and local American Heart Association chapters, offer first aid and CPR training. The cost per person is minimal; standard training typically takes about eight hours to complete. Additionally, some first aid training can be customized to address the daily hazards workers face.

According to OSHA, a workplace first aid program is a crucial component of the business's comprehensive safety and health management system, which includes four essential elements:
1. Management leadership and employee involvement
2. Worksite analysis
3. Hazard prevention and control
4. Safety and health training

Creating a workplace safety plan is a vital step in meeting OSHA requirements. Employers should take time to identify their workers' specific risks and then develop a workplace first aid program to minimize injuries resulting from accidents and exposures. This program should also ensure that first aid supplies and equipment are available and easily accessible.

Basic First Aid Procedures

After employees receive training, it’s important to update the workplace safety plan regularly. Employees trained in first aid or CPR should attend refresher courses as necessary, and employers should evaluate their skills by asking how they would respond to specific emergencies.



According to the Red Cross, common first aid procedures include:

1. Check the scene to determine the extent of injuries or conditions. Obtain consent to assist the individual and ensure you use personal protective equipment (PPE) before providing help.
2. If the individual is unresponsive, check for breathing, bleeding, or other life-threatening conditions.
3. If the individual is not responsive, appears to be gasping, or has other obvious life-threatening issues, call 911. If trained, the employee may begin CPR for someone not breathing. If the individual is responsive and fully awake, inquire about their symptoms and ask if they have any allergies or are taking any medications. Avoid moving the person if there may be a head, neck, or spinal injury.
4. Provide the necessary care based on your level of training or call 911 for further assistance.

Reacting hastily during an emergency can worsen many workplace accidents and injuries. Employees should be trained to remain calm, assess the situation, contact the designated individual in charge, and provide the best assistance possible to the injured or ill person.

10 Things Every First Aid Kit Should Be Equipped With

There will be no time to gather supplies in an emergency at work. Therefore, businesses must maintain a well-equipped first aid kit on the premises. Employers can purchase pre-filled first aid kits, but according to OSHA, they should ensure that the kits include the following items:

- Several sizes of gauze pads and a package of gauze roller bandages
- Boxes of adhesive bandages in various shapes, including triangular bandages
- Sealed moistened towelettes for cleaning wounds
- Scissors and tweezers
- One blanket
- Adhesive tape and at least two elastic wraps
- Latex gloves
- Resuscitation equipment, such as airway masks or pocket masks

Businesses can promote a safer workplace by ensuring that employees are trained in first aid and that adequate supplies are available.

Loss Control Services from AmTrust

Despite taking precautions and implementing a workplace safety program, accidents can still happen. The Loss Control department at AmTrust can help your business assess the conditions, practices and processes of the workplace to help identify common hazards facing workers. It’s our goal to provide the right safety resources and commercial property safeguards to ensure your small business thrives. Contact us today to learn more.

This material is for informational purposes only and is not legal or business advice. Neither AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. nor any of its subsidiaries or affiliates represents or warrants that the information contained herein is appropriate or suitable for any specific business or legal purpose. Readers seeking resolution of specific questions should consult their business and/or legal advisors. Coverages may vary by location. Contact your local RSM for more information.