How to organise first-aid care in your company?
As an employer, you are responsible for the organisation of first aid in your company. If an accident occurs in the workplace or an employee falls ill, there must be enough people to offer assistance and quickly. How does your organisation prepare for this?
1. Determine the types of measures needed for your company
The types of measures and first aid knowledge required at your company depends on the nature of your activities. A risk analysis clarifies the type of help you should be able to provide to your employees, contractors, sub-contractors, etc. These include, at a minimum:
- prompt and efficient emergency assistance;
- transport to the treatment room or a doctor or hospital in the area;
- contact with specialised emergency services, if required.
2. Develop an internal emergency response plan
The procedures and resources should be described in an internal contingency plan prepared together with the internal or external occupational health and safety services. The company doctor can assist with the preparation work and help evaluate the plan on completion.
3. Organise a team of first aid responders or designated employees
Employees who attend a first aid training course can, for example, determine whether a wound can be treated internally. This prevents wasting employee time unnecessarily in a waiting room.
- Is your organisation active in the industrial sector? If so, you are legally required to offer a trained first aid responder for every 20 employees. Non-industrial organisations require a first aid responder for every 50 employees.
- Companies with fewer than 20 employees must always have a designated employee with first aid knowledge present.
4. Ensure trained first aid responders in the workplace
A first aid responder must undergo basic training and attend a refresher course every year after that. This can be done every other year if you can demonstrate that he or she has sufficient knowledge and skills. A designated employee requires only a four-hour introductory course.
During these training courses, first aid responders learn to assess injuries and administer first aid. The risk analysis indicates which skills are specifically needed by your organisation.
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It is important to react quickly and correctly in the event of minor injuries, such as a nosebleed or an abrasion, as well as in the event of serious accidents. The app does not replace First Aid classes, but it will enable anyone to learn the basics of First Aid themselves or to find out what needs to be done in case of an emergency. In addition to First Aid knowledge, the app also offers a handy overview of where you can find the nearest AED device.
- Android
- iPhone
5. Record all first aid treatment
The legally required first aid register offers an excellent overview of incidents and their follow-up. This information is very helpful for prevention programmes and is also useful when insurance issues arise if a seemingly innocent wound turns out to be more serious and must be reported. It also makes it easier to collect information for your annual report.
What to record in the first-aid log?
- the identity of the first-aid worker, the victim and any witnesses;
- the time, location and circumstances of the incident or sudden illness, including a description;
- the time and type of intervention;
- the cause and nature of the wound, the wound care provided, and any follow-up care.
What should be in your first-aid kit?
Contact your occupational health physician for assistance. Apart from the standard first-aid tools and equipment, the contents of your first-aid kit will depend on the nature of your company’s activities.