OSHA first-aid guide

In response to the 4.3 million workplace injuries and illnesses in 2004, 1.3 million resulting in days away from work, OSHA has released a first-aid guide to help employers treat injured employees.

The Best Practices Guide: Fundamentals of a Workplace First-Aid Program is intended for first-aid workers, which any company not located next to a hospital or clinic must have, according to OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.151.

The guide focuses on first aid training programs, which should be individualized to the workplace. The training should enable employees to develop hands on skills for quick response to emergency situations. It should provide information on responding to life threatening emergencies, including performing rescue breathing, treating airway obstruction and performing CPR. Training should also be provided for non-life threatening emergencies, such as wounds, burns, eye injuries and musculoskeletal injuries.

To see the guide, go to http://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3317first-aid.pdf.