First Aid Training Compliance: What You Need to Know
First aid is emergency care provided for injury or sudden illness before professional medical treatment is available.
First Aid Training Compliance: What You Need to Know
First aid is emergency care provided for injury or sudden illness before professional medical treatment is available.
It is a vital skill for any workplace, as it can save lives, prevent further harm, and promote recovery. However, first aid is not only a skill but also a legal obligation for employers. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act), employers are required to provide adequate first aid facilities and personnel for the welfare of their employees. This means that employers need to comply with the standards and regulations set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or an OSHA-approved State Plan.
In this article, we will explain the basic elements of a workplace first aid program, the OSHA requirements for first aid training and supplies, and the best practices for delivering effective and engaging first aid training. We will also introduce you to our company, PCS Safety, and how we can help you meet your first-aid training compliance needs for 2024 and beyond.
A workplace first aid program is part of a comprehensive safety and health management system that includes four essential elements:
Management leadership and employee involvement: The employer should demonstrate commitment to the first aid program, allocate sufficient resources, and involve employees in the planning and implementation of the program.
Worksite analysis: The employer should identify and assess the potential hazards and risks that may cause injury or illness in the workplace, and determine the appropriate level and type of first aid facilities and personnel needed.
Hazard prevention and control: The employer should implement measures to eliminate or minimize the hazards and risks identified in the worksite analysis, such as engineering controls, administrative controls, personal protective equipment, and emergency procedures.
Safety and health training: The employer should provide training for all workers on the first aid program, including how to recognize and respond to emergencies, how to use the first aid supplies and equipment, and how to contact emergency medical services (EMS).
The employer should also evaluate and modify the first aid program regularly to keep it current and effective, and to address any changes in the workplace conditions, hazards, risks, or OSHA standards.
OSHA Requirements for First Aid Training and Supplies
OSHA does not have a specific standard for first aid training, but it does require employers to ensure that a person or persons are adequately trained to render first aid. The training should be consistent with the nature and extent of the potential hazards and risks in the workplace, and should cover the following topics:
The principles of first aid and the roles and responsibilities of a first aider.
The assessment of the scene, the casualty, and the situation.
The management of common injuries and illnesses, such as bleeding, shock, burns, fractures, sprains, strains, poisoning, bites, stings, allergic reactions, asthma, anaphylaxis, diabetes, seizures, stroke, heart attack, and cardiac arrest.
The use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), if available.
The infection control and personal hygiene measures to prevent disease transmission.
The documentation and reporting of incidents and injuries
The first aid training should be delivered by a qualified instructor, who has the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to teach first aid effectively. The instructor should also be able to assess the trainees’ learning and performance and provide feedback and remediation as needed.
The first aid training should be updated and refreshed periodically, at least every three years, to maintain the trainees’ competency and confidence.
OSHA also requires employers to provide adequate first aid supplies and equipment for the workplace, based on the worksite analysis and the OSHA standards for specific industries. The first aid supplies and equipment should include, but are not limited to, the following items:
Best Practices for First Aid Training
Conduct a training needs analysis to determine the learning objectives...
content, methods, and evaluation of the first aid training, based on the characteristics and needs of the target audience, the workplace environment, and the OSHA requirements
Use a variety of training methods and media, such as lectures, demonstrations...
videos, simulations, scenarios, case studies, games, quizzes, and discussions, to cater to different learning styles, preferences, and levels of the trainees
Incorporate practical exercises and hands-on practice, using realistic props...
manikins, and AED trainers, to allow the trainees to apply their knowledge and skills in simulated situations, and to receive feedback and coaching from the instructor and peers
Emphasize real-world scenarios and examples that are relevant and relatable to the trainees and their workplace...
and that illustrate the common and critical first-aid issues and challenges they may encounter
Foster a culture of compliance and continuous learning, by encouraging the trainees to...
share their experiences and questions, to seek and offer support, and to review and update their first aid knowledge and skills regularly
About PCS
We are a Team of passionate professionals that have live and breath Workplace Safety for over 30 years. Our ultimate goal each day is to provide a safe work environment for every worker and to return each employee home and uninjured. PCS Safety Inc “PCS” partners with like-minded businesses that share a similar passion and who seek to take Work Safety to the next level. Our proven service delivery is customized for everyone client as we understand that each business is unique in service and culture.
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Ready to start your training?
Don’t miss out on any course offerings in your area! Schedule now to get all the details about prices and dates.