Workplace First Aid: Facilities, Equipment, and Injury Response Procedures

A comprehensive workplace first aid program combines accessible equipment, trained personnel, and clear protocols to minimize harm when injuries occur. Here's a framework adaptable to most organizational settings.

First Aid Facilities and Equipment

First Aid Kits

Strategically placed, adequately stocked, regularly inspected. Contents per ANSI/ISEA Z308.1 or jurisdictional equivalent: bandages (multiple sizes), sterile gauze, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes/solution, antibiotic ointment, burn dressing, eye wash, cold packs, scissors, tweezers, gloves (nitrile), CPR barrier device, emergency blanket, first aid guide, emergency contact list (911, on-site responders, nearest ER, poison control).

Designated First Aid Room

Required in higher-risk/larger workplaces. Features: privacy, running water, ventilation, lighting, stretcher/cot, chair, storage for supplies, AED, oxygen (if trained personnel), sink, biohazard waste container, communication (phone/radio).

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)

Accessible within 3-minute round-trip from any location. Wall-mounted, signed, maintained (battery/pad checks), registered with local EMS. Trained responders on each shift.

Trained Personnel

Designated first aid responders (certified: Red Cross, AHA, or equivalent) on all shifts. Ratio: typically 1 per 25–50 employees (higher risk = more). Regular refresher training.

Emergency Information Display

Prominent postings: emergency numbers, AED locations, first aid room, responder names, evacuation routes, SDS (Safety Data Sheets) access.

Injury Response Procedures

Immediate Response

1. Scene safety: Assess hazards (traffic, machinery, chemicals, structure) before approaching
2. Check responsiveness: Tap/shout "Are you OK?"
3. Call for help: If unresponsive, not breathing normally, severe bleeding, chest pain, stroke signs → call 911 immediately. Designate someone to call, meet EMS.
4. Provide care per training: CPR/AED, control bleeding (direct pressure, tourniquet if trained), recovery position, shock management, spinal precautions if fall/trauma.
5. Do not move unless immediate danger.

Reporting and Investigation

1. Internal notification: Supervisor, safety department, HR per organizational protocol
2. Documentation: Incident report (date, time, location, witnesses, description, conditions, actions taken, equipment used)
3. OSHA/log requirements: Recordable injuries (medical treatment beyond first aid, lost time, restricted duty, death) entered on OSHA 300 Log within 7 days. Fatalities/hospitalizations reported to OSHA within 8/24 hrs.
4. Investigation: Root cause analysis (5 Whys, fishbone) for recordable/near-miss. Corrective actions assigned, tracked, verified.

Medical Follow-Up and Return to Work

1. Prompt professional evaluation: Occupational health clinic, ER, or employee's provider
2. Work restrictions: Obtain written limitations; accommodate per ADA/interactive process
3. Monitor recovery: Check-ins, modified duty progression, communication with provider
4. Implement corrective actions: Engineering controls, administrative changes, PPE upgrades, training

Continuous Improvement

Quarterly: kit inspections, AED checks, drill scenarios. Annual: program audit, training refresh, supply contract review. Post-incident: debrief, lessons learned, procedure updates.