No matter what your line of business, and no matter how well you safeguard your facility against injuries, they can and do happen. And in those times, it is important to be able to offer your employees access to medical services and first aid. Having medical services and first aid available is also important to OSHA, which regulates this in Standard 1910.151.

In this Standard, OSHA states that, “The employer shall ensure the ready availability of medical personnel for advice and consultation on the matters of plant health.” (1910.151 [a]) For many employers, this requirement will be met by a local hospital, infirmary, or clinic. But in the event your facility is not covered by one of these three facilities, it is mandatory for an employee to “be adequately trained to render first aid.” (1910.151 [b])

The regulation also states that first aid supplies must be available on site. This common sense requirement not only helps to protect employees in the event of an injury or an emergency, it also helps to protect business continuity. For many employees, a basic first aid supply will suffice, and allow them to return to work, rather than leave the facility to find a local infirmary, hospital, or clinic.

If you have any questions about this standard, or would like help in ensuring you are compliant, please contact us so that we can assist you. And if you have anything to add about the importance of readily available medical services and first aid, please leave a comment.