Access to basic medical services and first aid is important in any place of business. It can be a way to prevent a minor injury from becoming something major, and can help prevent a serious injury from becoming disastrous. Any way you look at it, first aid and quick access to basic medical services is of paramount importance to keeping employees safe.

As such, OSHA created Standard 1910.151, which governs medical services and first aid. This standard states that a person must be “adequately trained to render first aid” if there are no infirmaries, clinics, or hospitals in “near proximity to the workplace.” This person must be trained and employed by the employer, and must be available to any employee who faces potential injury at work. The standard goes on to state that “adequate” first aid supplies must be available to the staff.

In addition, this standard governs eye flush and shower devices used in facilities where there is a risk of exposure to injurious corrosive materials. These devices must be readily available to the staff in the event of an accident, and must be suitable to properly cleanse the victim. If you have not recently audited your devices, it might be a good idea to do so, as these devices are not often used, but are extremely important when needed.

If in reading any of the above guidelines you were struck by the vagueness of the standard, don’t worry – you’re not alone. This standard leaves a lot of room for interpretation and has nearly 30 standard interpretation responses listed. And for a standard as small as this one, it makes it one of the least clear standards currently in existence.

So, if you have any questions about the specifics of your facility, please contact us so that we can help ensure you are up to code. And if you have anything to add about the importance of quick access to medical services and first aid, please leave a comment.