An employer is responsible for making appropriate workplace first aid provisions. First aid provision includes first aid facilities, first aid equipment and trained first aid personnel. The employer needs to consider various activities or factors before deciding on the first aid provision for the workplace.
First aid facilities.
This include a room where the first aid treatment can be given. Such a room should be centrally located so everybody can access it. It should be clean and adequately ventilated. The room should have hand wash facilities, a chair and a waste bin.
First aid equipment.
The first aid equipment that should be present in the room includes stretchers, wheelchairs, splints, blankets, Eye wash stations, resuscitation equipment, emergency showers and any other equipment as required.
Trained personnel.
In most workplaces, there should be a minimum provision for somebody to take charge of emergencies and call emergency services. They can even be several trained first aiders. Some legal requirements require a particular number of First-aiders in a given workplace. However, there should be adequate first aid coverage in the workplace regardless of the time at work.
What are the factors to consider when deciding on first aid provision in a workplace?
1.Accident history of the workplace.
The accident history of a workplace will give you an idea of the kind and frequency of accidents that happen in that workplace. With this information in mind, it can help you decide what kind of provision you will have in that area.
2.The presence of vulnerable persons.
If vulnerable persons are in the workplace, they should be factored in the first aid provision arrangement. A vulnerable person needs guidance most of the time during an emergency. Examples of vulnerable persons are People with disabilities, pregnant and nursing mothers, etc
3.The type of Hazard present in the workplace.
Not all workplaces have the same Hazards. Knowing the hazards in your workplace that the workers can be exposed to could help determine the kind of first aid provision to be made available. Hazards are objects, things, situations, activities, etc that can give rise to harm
4.Number of workers.
An organisation with 50 workers will have a different first aid provision than 200 workers. So, the number of workers is a good factor in deciding the first aid provision.
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5.The Geographic location of the workplace.
The geographical location of the workplace is a factor, too. Some locations are not accessible to visit, and some have rugged terrain. So, considering the geographical location will assist in deciding on first aid provision
6.The spread of the workplace.
Some workplaces have a wide range of offices. They are far from each other, so there is a need to capture the first aid provision to meet the needs of every worker, no matter where their offices are located in that environment. Consider the location of different offices and Warehouses, too.
7.The work pattern.
Some workplaces observe shift patterns. Some do night and day shifts. This should be considered when making a first aid provision so that 1all workers present at any given time will be cared for during a first aid emergency.
Conclusion.
First aid provisions are essential in the workplace. It is equally important that some factors have to be considered before making a first aid provision in the workplace. Factors such as hazards, number of workers, presence of vulnerable people, the work pattern, geographical location, and the spread of a workplace will give a clue on how best to make first aid provisions. First aid provision should be adequate and able to meet the workers’ demands at any given time, so consider these factors and make sure you implement them.
Onyeka Emma is a QHSE Professional with more than 10 years of experience in occupational health and safety, which spans many industries such as construction, beverage, oil and gas, etc. He has many health and safety certifications, including NEBOSH IGC, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018 Lead auditor certificate. A member of IOSH, ISPON, and Nigeria Red Cross Society. He is interested in business, entrepreneurship, Speaking, and motivating people to do better for themselves. He enjoys leisure with a good motivational book.
