There's no mystery about how to setup a strong workplace first aid program.  OSHA has a very clear and concise document giving us a guide to best practices of a workplace first aid program.  This guide is designed to help businesses understand what a successful program looks like.    In this first of a five part series on Workplace First-Aid, we are going to look at the most important aspect , "Someone has to be in charge". Yes, one person needs to be responsible, but, it takes others to help support the first aid program. Leaders, first responders, first aid supply coordinator and all employees are involved in participating, supporting or administering an effective workplace first aid program.

A leader/organizer oversees & supports the program
Don't be mistaken, even if you have a hospital next door to your place of business, you should still administer a program where injuries are documented, work practices are assessed and proper policies and engineering controls are put in place to reduce injuries. Common sense will also tell you to have basic first aid supplies available when minor cuts, scrapes, burns or other non life-threatening injuries occur. Not having a dedicated first responder does not remove the employer from being responsible for the health and safety of the workplace and their employees. Simply saying "we will call 911 for help" isn't the solution.  Once 911 is called, several minutes will pass. Your business will have to decide what to do until help arrives.  Will first aid be given?  What training, supplies or protocols do you have in place?  A plan, policies and procedures need to be in place for the welfare of your employees.

A first responder is dedicated to render first aid as part of their job
If an infirmary, hospital or clinic is not within near proximity, OSHA requires a trained first aid provider at the workplace. Who is a first aid provider in the workplace? Someone who is trained in the delivery of the initial medical emergency procedures, using limited amount of equipment to perform primary assessment and intervention until emergency medical services arrive. They fall under the OSHA first aid standard and bloodborne pathogens standard. If your business is in near proximity to a clinic, hospital or medical facility and decides not to have a first aid provider, key employees can still receive training and participate as responders if they choose and be covered by the good samaritan act. First aid can still be given without the concern of liability.

A person responsible for choosing and maintaining first aid supplies
Many employers outsource their first aid supply replenishment program. This goes against the recommendation of OSHA, which states that "It is advisable for the employer to give a specific person the responsibility for choosing the types and amounts of first-aid supplies and for maintaining these supplies." Outsourcing supply management removes the overseers of the first aid program from the types of injuries, who is getting hurt and in some cases the product selection. (See our article "5 Things a first a service doesn't want you to know" for more info.) When managing a workplace first aid program, perceived convenience does not outweigh the cost of being removed from the supply management process. You loose awareness of injuries, the usage of supplies, the ability to select and adjust supply types and levels and ultimately the ability to properly determine the necessary changes to your first aid supply replenishment program.

A Workplace First-aid program educates employees about who, what, where and when first aid supplies are needed.
Everyone needs to know what to do if there is an emergency. Evacuations, tornado's or injuries all need to have a plan. If an employee is hurt, who do they see, where do they go, what is the procedure to get first aid? Not only should management know all of these answers, but employees should as well. Informing all employees about how to respond to a first aid emergency ensures quick and effective results.

0

No

What supplies do I need?

One of the biggest frustrations most workplace first aid programs experience is determining what supplies to keep on hand. OSHA has a very clear and concise document giving us a guide to best practices of a workplace first aid program which includes how to determine what first aid supplies to keep on hand. OSHA wants businesses to have a healthy and safe work environment and this guide will easily walk you through each of the steps. In this second of a five part series on Workplace First-Aid, we are going to answer the question, "What supplies do I need". But first, we need to ask 4 underlying questions that will ultimately provide our final answer.

A Workplace First-aid program includes identifying the risks

Accidents that cause loss time from work are required to be recorded in an OSHA 300 log. Record keeping is an important part in identifying the risks involved with a particular job. These 300 log documents who was hurt, their job title, the date and where it occurred and the type of injury the received. ,Also, supervisors and management should also be aware of the non recordable injuries where a worker uses the first aid kit. Details and the OSHA 300 log can be downloaded here.  Reviewing your injury log is the first step is identifying the risks on a particular job process. Once the risks and types of injuries have been identified, keeping adequate supplies that reflect the kinds of injuries that could occur will be much easier.

A Workplace First-aid program focuses on hazard prevention and control to minimize risks

Preventing the injury from occurring is everyone's goal.  Management can use the information the collect from a "Job Hazard Analysis"  to reduce or eliminate hazards at work. A safer job with fewer injuries will be the result from the action taken to improve the job task and reduce the hazard. This in turn will increase worker productivity, lower workers' compensation costs and generally provide a safer work environment. The hazard assessment can also be a helpful tool when training new employees about job safety.

A Workplace First-aid program complies with OSHA requirements

Osha states that the supplies must be adequate, should reflect the kinds of injuries that occur, and must be stored in an area where they are readily available for emergency access. Using the OSHA 300 log will also identify the type of injury and also how many supplies are being used. An example of minimal contents of a workplace first aid kit are described in the ANSIZ308.1-2003 list. A new revised list is being published in 2015 and will include more items. Currently we have listed the 2003 ANSI requirements here along with some other examples of a first aid list. Ultimately, the types of injuries will determine what types of supplies you should stock. MFASCO Health & Safety has a great tool to help you create your own first aid checklist. It will identify the minimum requirements and also offer other products you may need based on your need. See our Build-A-Kit page and watch the 1 minute video for a more clear explanation of this resource.

A Workplace First-aid program states that sufficient supplies be readily accessible

Nothing beats a well organized and maintained first aid kit that contains items that are easily and quickly identified. Messy, dirty and overstuffed first aid kits do not promote first aid. Kits that are outdated and sparsely stocked wast time and potentially cause greater harm. Every first aid kit should be clean, organized, safe and ready to use. OSHA recommends that an employer give a specific person the responsibility for choosing the types and amounts of first-aid supplies and for maintaining those supplies.

Workplace First-aid Restocking Methods

There are several online tools to help you manage, refill and restock your first aid supplies.  Each of them are designed to ensure OSHA & ANSI compliance.  Here are 5 of the best refill systems available:

Make-A-First-Aid-Kit - Whether you want to simply create a checklist for easy reordering or literally build your own first aid kit from scratch, this is the tool for you.  

RestockKit- The easiest refill system for workplace first aid kits begins with a picture.  This visual refill system lets you "click on the picture" of a first aid kit to select the items you need.  You need to see it to believe how easy it is.

Refill This Kit - Find any of our existing first aid kits on our website and click on the "refill this kit" link and simply order the items you need.

Reorder List- Create a saved list of the items you will be reordering.  This is our version of a wish-list.

Complete Refill Packs- Many of our first aid kits have a complete refill pack ready to go.  Take a look at the current first aid refill's that are available to order.

If you need help or have questions about how to refill your supplies, give us a call at 800-221-9222 or connect with us on chat here on our website.

0

No

Workplace first aid - What OSHA thinks about AED's

When a person's heart begins to beat in an uncoordinated manner, nothing can help except an electrical shock to bring the heart back into normal rhythm. This event is called Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) and it happens to about a quarter of a million people every year. Workplace electrocution, low oxygen, overexertion and other factors can trigger SCA. OSHA says that "All worksites are potential candidates for AED programs.." In our five part series on workplace first-aid, this third article talks about AED's (Automated External Defibrillators) and their roll in the workplace.  (Image credit goes to Zoll Inc. )

A few important facts about Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

• Survival from SCA is reduced 7-10 percent for every minute without immediate CPR or defibrillation.
• The normal heart rate, if treated promptly is restored about 60% of the time.
• EMS can take up to 20 minutes for help to arrive and by that time, without an AED the chances of survival are slim.

Why your workplace first aid program should include an AED

We have included 4 good reasons why your workplace first aid program should include an AED.

1. SCA occurs anywhere, including on the job.
2. Onsite AED's increase survival rates because they can be used before EMS arrives.
3. Only an AED can restore normal hearth rhythm
4. They are lightweight, compact and easy to use

Where to place an AED in the workplace

• OSHA recommends the AED to be conveniently located, allowing  allow a response time within 3-5 minutes.  Don't put it in a corner far away from people.  Centrally located the AED for shorter response times.
• Near an area where there are confined spaces or electric-powered devices
• Outdoor worksites or events where lightening may occur
• Fitness centers, exercise facilities or other types of health units
• Cafeterias or other places where people congregate
• Remote sites where there is limited access to emergency response

Training is an important part of a workplace first aid AED program

Recognizing an SCA event and notifying Emergency Response Personnel is one of several elements of a comprehensive AED training program. Workers should also be trained to perform CPR, how to operate and deliver lifesaving defibrillation with an AED and also how to care for someone who has had SCA until the EMS personnel arrive.

OSHA states that AED's "have a proven track record of saving lives in public places as well as in the workplace. They can do the same for you and your employees. Please consider installing AEDs in your workplace." We would encourage you to go to the OSHA website to learn more about AED's. You can also contact other reputable organizations who specialize in AED's and comprehensive training programs such as the American Heart Association.

0

No

Getting clear advice about your workplace first aid program doesn't have to be difficult.  OSHA has made it easy for all of us with their "Best Practices Guide: Fundamentals of a Workplace First-Aid Program".  This 26 page guide offers great advice for a complete, well-rounded first aid program.  When it comes to first aid supplies, OSHA get's right to the point and makes 9 great suggestions that are specific to first aid supplies.  We've summarized these for quick reading but if you want to see the entire guide, you can get it here.

Give a specific employee the responsibility over the program & supplies
Don't let first aid company make your decisions for you.  OSHA advises that a specific person should choose the types and amounts of first aid supplies.  They also advise this same person maintain these supplies.  

Supplies must be adequate for potential injuries
You know best the types of injuries that occur at work.  Make sure you have enough supplies to cover the amount and types of injuries that can occur.  Don't just stick to the ANSI first aid list, thoughtfully consider the potential needs when stocking supplies.

Supplies must be accessible
Be sure you stock your supplies where they are easily and quickly accessible
When there is an emergency, access to your supplies should be close and easy to get to.  Your cabinet or emergency kit should be organized  and ready to be used.  A locked door or cabinet is 

Consider an AED as part of your first aid supply response arsenal
When you review your supply list, keep sudden cardiac arrest in mind.  Nothing in your first aid kit can provide the life-saving shock an automated external defibrillator (AED) provides.  OSHA says, "considered an AED when selecting first-aid supplies and equipment". 

The ANSI first aid list is minimum requirements
There is a lot of hype about the ANSI Z308.1-2015 minimum requirements list for workplace first aid kits.  Keep in mind that this is a minimum starting point and a great template for a very basic first aid kit for small businesses.
 
Larger operations should offer more supplies 
While the ANSI first aid list is a starting point, larger operations should look important factors including: number of employees, how many kits are needed, additional quantities and types of supplies based on potential injuries.  Consider upgrading your first aid kit(s) based on your specific needs. 

Use your OSHA 300 logs to identify injury types and the appropriate supplies
For those who are not sure what type of supplies they need, consider looking at your OSHA 300 log and OSHA 301 reports or other records to identify the first-aid supply needs of their worksite. 

Talk to medical experts to asses needs
Don't rely on a first aid services to determine what you need.  Talk with a medical advisor that your workplace has a relationship with including a company doctor, nurse or emergency clinic.  Also reach out to your local fire & rescue for advice.

Regularly Asses your program - 
Don't just setup your workplace first aid program, plan periodic assessments to ensure the right quantity and types of supplies are available making sure they are available and ready to use.

Managing your workplace first aid supplies doesn't have to be difficult.  Our website has some great articles and resources to help you restock and refilling your supplies.  We encourage you to look over them.  

0

No

No workplace first aid program should be without a comprehensive training program. It isn't enough to hang a first aid kit on the wall and let everyone know it is there. If your trying to figure out how to get a program started or improve the one you have, OSHA offers a guide to best practices of a workplace first aid program as a helpful resource.  In this fourth article on workplace first aid, we focuses on the basic elements of a comprehensive first-aid training program including teaching methods, being prepared, assessment, responding and refresher courses.  

Workplace First Aid Teaching Methods

Everyone learns best by hearing, seeing, and doing. Putting the knowledge and skills learned from a comprehensive first aid training program into practice is critical. Reading a book and taking a test does not address what it will be like in real life. Including knowledge and skills practice into training will ensure a well rounded learning experience. Trainees should learn about acute injury and illness as well as the correct response through using visual aids and actually practice those newly learned skills on training partners. As always, a good course book and resource materials will help trainees retain information. Allowing ample time for training and discussion helps promote confidence for all participants. Training should not only emphasize skills training and confidence-building, but also quick response to any first aid situation.

Being Prepared to Respond

Being ready to respond is one of the most important aspects of a comprehensive workplace first aid training program. Not only are we to find ways to prevent accidents from happening but when they do occur, we must be ready to act quickly. The workplace first aid program should include coordinating a response with the local EMS. They should know you are organized and prepared to respond while they are on their way. Keeping a current list of phone numbers for all local emergency response agencies available for everyone is important. Each first aid responder should also understanding the legal aspects of giving care. Check with your state legislation's Good Samaritan Law which deals with the liability issues that may be of concern. Training to respond also includes knowing the effects of stress, fear and panic and how they affect response performance. Lastly, being prepared to respond includes understanding the importance of practicing universal precautions for all responses that deal with bodily fluids.  This will help prepare the responder to be an effective resource in case of a first aid emergency.

Assessing the scene & victim

Workplace first aid training should teach the responder to be aware of the safety hazards in the environment where the accident has occurred. Running into a place where live electrical wires or other life-threatening hazards still exist will only cause more injuries. Determining how many are injured and who needs care first are all part of assessment. Calling for help and notifying emergency authorities is also included as part of a proper emergency response training procedure. Assessment continues to take place throughout the emergency response. The responder is constantly monitoring the environment to determine whether to move the victim to a safer area, preventing additional injuries.

Responding to Emergencies

A comprehensive first aid training program should be designed to address the needs of that specific worksite. Further training may be needed if or when changes are made to work processes or the environment. Responding to victims always includes calling for help, checking for responsiveness, maintaining an open airway, performing CPR if necessary, using an AED, recognizing signs of shock, monitoring changes in responsiveness, controlling bleeding and watching for other medical complications including stroke, heart attack, pain, impaled objects, pregnancy complications, seizures and more. This is where professional training from a reputable organization is valuable.

Refresher Courses to maintain skills and knowledge

Workplace first aid training will only remain effective when there are regular refresher courses offered. Annual certification and regular skill and drill runs are recommended. With the support of all workers and management, first aid training add another layer of health and safety to the workplace.

0

No

Update Your First Aid Kit
It's time to check your first aid supplies.  Take a look at our first aid refill category or quick refill packs to easily refill your first aid kit.  Every first aid kit we make has an easy "refill this kit" link as well.  Go to our First Aid Kit category if you want to start fresh with a brand new first aid kit.

Selected Items On Sale
For a limited time, some of our popular refill items are on sale.  Take a look at our items on sale here. 

First Aid Kits & Refills
If you are looking for a refill for your first aid kit take a look at the links below.  We have complete first aid kit refills for your first aid kit.  

• Complete Refill Packs 
• Class A (ANSI) Refill Pack
• Class B (ANSI) Refill pack
• Industrial 4 Shelf Refill Pack
• Unit Refills

Website Refill Tools
We also have created 5 easy to use refill tools that will help you restock your first aid kits.

1.  Print Checklist - Go to any of our kits or refills and click on the "Refill This Kit" link and you will see the "Print Refill List" text link to print your checklist.

2.  Refill This Kit - Every kit or refill pack we make has a "Refill This Kit" link the pictures.  Click the link to direct you down the page where you can add to cart individual items from the list.  

3.  RestockKit - If you have an industrial metal cabinet, RestockKit is a visual point and click refill tool.  Click here and select which cabinet you have to get started.

4.  Reorder List - Our version of a "saved list" is fast and easy to use.  From either the item product page OR any search list result, look for the "Add To List" icon like this icon

5.  Make-A-First-Aid-Kit  - Our flagship custom first aid kit making tool also creates a checklist once you have built your kit. See how Make-A-Kit works here.

Refill This Kit
Did you know that every MFASCO kit we make has a fast and easy to use refill system? Simply find the MFASCO kit you want to restock, click on the "Refill This Kit" icon or scroll down the page and the item list with pictures and add to cart buttons are ready for your review. See our brief video below to see it work!

How to refill your first aid kit
If you're not sure how to refill your first aid kit, take a look at our Learning Center.  It has many articles and videos that show you how to maintain and restock your supplies:

• How to inspect a first aid kit- 
• How to restock your first aid kit- 
• How to organize and sanitize your first aid kit- 
• 5 Part Workplace First Aid series- 

Other helpful resources 
Our Learning Center contains hundreds of great health & safety related articles, info-graphics, videos and eBooks.  Here are a few of our most popular resources curated for you: 

• Why is first aid important
• What is a first aid kit used for?
• Supply list for for basic first aid kits
• Essential first aid kit supplies list ebook
• How to customize a first aid kit
• Top first aid kit types for 2019

If your not sure why you should check your supplies, take a look at this important article "10 clues you need to update your first aid kit"

Do you want to start over with a custom first aid kit?
Make A Kit is the Internet's first and only online tool that allows you to create your own custom first aid kit from scratch. Answer a few questions, select your container & products from this easy to use tool and we will make your custom first aid kit and ship it right away.  Go to the Make A Kit page now and give it a try. It is free to use. You will also find a helpful instructional video as well as an FAQ to learn more about this wonderful tool.

We're here to help. Contact customer service if you need help checking your supplies.

0

No

Update Your First Aid Kit
It's time to check your first aid supplies.  Take a look at our first aid refill category or quick refill packs to easily refill your first aid kit.  Every first aid kit we make has an easy "refill this kit" link as well.

Selected Items On Sale
For a limited time, some of our popular refill items are on sale.  Take a look at our items on sale here. 

Refill This Kit
Did you know that every MFASCO kit we make has a fast and easy to use refill system? Simply find the MFASCO kit you want to restock, click on the "Refill This Kit" icon or scroll down the page and the item list with pictures and add to cart buttons are ready for your review. See our brief video below to see it work!

Make A Kit
We're excited to introduce Make A Kit, the Internet's first and only online tool that allows you to create your own custom first aid kit from scratch. Answer a few questions, select your container & products from this easy to use tool and we will make your custom first aid kit and ship it right away.

Go to the Make A Kit page now and give it a try. It is free to use. You will also find a helpful instructional video as well as an FAQ to learn more about this wonderful tool.

Website Refill Tools
We also have created 5 easy to use refill tools that will help you restock your first aid kits.

1.  Print Checklist - Go to any of our kits or refills and click on the "Refill This Kit" link and you will see the "Print Refill List" text link to print your checklist.

2.  Refill This Kit - Every kit or refill pack we make has a "Refill This Kit" link the pictures.  Click the link to direct you down the page where you can add to cart individual items from the list.  

3.  RestockKit - If you have an industrial metal cabinet, RestockKit is a visual point and click refill tool.  Click here and select which cabinet you have to get started.

4.  Reorder List - Our version of a "saved list" is fast and easy to use.  From either the item product page OR any search list result, look for the "Add To List" icon like this icon

5.  Make-A-First-Aid-Kit  - Our flagship custom first aid kit making tool also creates a checklist once you have built your kit. See how Make-A-Kit works here.

How to refill your first aid kit
If you're not sure how to refill your first aid kit, take a look at our Learning Center.  It has many articles and videos that show you how to maintain and restock your supplies:

• How to inspect a first aid kit- 
• How to restock your first aid kit- 
• How to organize and sanitize your first aid kit- 
• 5 Part Workplace First Aid series- 

Other helpful resources 
Our Learning Center contains hundreds of great health & safety related articles, infographics, videos and ebooks.  Here are a few of our most popular additions: 

• Why is first aid important
• What is a first aid kit used for?
• Supply list for for basic first aid kits
• Essential first aid kit supplies list ebook
• How to customize a first aid kit
• Top first aid kit types for 2019

We're here to help. Contact customer service if you need help or have questions.

0

No