The Organization of First Aid in the Workplace (ILO, 1999, 70 p.): 1. Why first aid and the organization of first aid?: 1.3. If an accident occurs

The Organization of First Aid in the Workplace (ILO, 1999, 70 p.)

(introduction...)

Preface

1. Why first aid and the organization of first aid?

1.1. What is first aid?

1.2. The need to prevent accidents

1.3. If an accident occurs

1.4. An organized approach to first aid

2. What first aid must do

3. Responsibilities and participation

3.1. Responsibilities of the employer

(introduction...)

3.1.1. Equipment, supplies and facilities

3.1.2. Human resources

3.1.3. Other

3.2. Workers’ participation

4. How first aid is organized

4.1. Variables to be considered in the assessment of first-aid requirements

(introduction...)

4.1.1. Type of work and associated risks

4.1.2. Size and layout of the enterprise

4.1.3. Other enterprise characteristics

4.1.4. Availability of other health services

4.2. First aid in the context of the general organization of safety and health in the enterprise

(introduction...)

4.2.1. Occupational health services

4.2.2. Safety and health committees and safety delegates

4.2.3. The labour inspectorate

4.2.4. Other institutions

4.3. First-aid personnel

(introduction...)

4.3.1. Functional tasks

4.3.2. Type and number of first-aid personnel required

4.3.3. Advice to, and supervision of, first-aid personnel

4.4. The role of the occupational health physician or nurse

4.5. Equipment, supplies and facilities for first aid

(introduction...)

4.5.1. Rescue equipment

4.5.2. First-aid boxes, first-aid kits and similar containers

4.5.3. Specialized equipment and supplies

4.5.4. The first-aid room

4.5.5. Means for communicating the alert

4.6. Planning for access to additional care

4.7. Records

5. The training of first-aid personnel

5.1. General considerations

5.2. Basic training

(introduction...)

5.2.1. General

5.2.2. Delivery of first aid

5.3. Advanced training

5.4. Training material and institutions

5.5. Certification

6. Relation to other health-related services

Annexes

Annex I. Examples of first-aid legislation

1. New Zealand

2. United Kingdom

3. Federal Republic of Germany

Annex II. Be ready for emergencies1

Annex III. Rescue equipment: An example

Annex IV. First-aid boxes

1. Belgium

2. India

3. New Zealand

4. United Kingdom

Annex V. Antidotes: Some useful examples

Occupational Safety and Health Series

Back cover

1.3. If an accident occurs

Despite preventive action, accidents do happen. This is unfortunate, but true at many workplaces. Most injuries at work are not severe or life-threatening. This fact should not be overlooked when first aid is discussed. It is clear that when a hand is severed in an accident with a chainsaw, rapid first aid to stop the bleeding and deal with shock is imperative, and further emergency treatment should follow as soon as possible. However, for one such case there are many minor cases, for example, persons suffering simple cuts or contusions which need unsophisticated treatment (for example, disinfection, sterilized dressing, checking that immunization against tetanus is valid). Immediately available first aid is an essential service in situations where no health personnel are available. However, it must be emphasized that professional medical care may still be needed on the day or the days that follow. First-aid personnel must clearly point out that injured persons should always take it upon themselves to consult a physician so that the necessary treatment is given under medical supervision.

The case described in the preceding paragraph is consistent with the primary health care approach referred to in the preface.³ This involves the treatment of a common injury by an immediately available first-aider, health education and the acceptance by the individual of responsibility for his or her own health, including possible referral for more advanced medical care. The approach emphasizes the need to combine the delivery of first aid with advice and information to the worker on follow-up actions and professional medical care required.

Some generalizations may be made regarding accidents at work and the severity of injuries. It appears that the most common causes of injuries are found in rather ordinary events like stumbling, falling, the handling of materials, the use of tools or being struck by falling objects. However, when planning for first aid, primary attention should be paid to manifestations in the victims of an accident rather than the accident itself. These include, in particular, crushed and broken bones and joints, bleeding, shock, respiratory arrest, cardiac arrest, burns including chemical burns, other skin injuries or eye injuries. Therefore, first aid needs specific knowledge about these common manifestations.