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;
- and equipped first aid kid
- transport to the treatment room or a doctor or hospital in the area;
- clear procedures for emergency situations
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. If you are a customer, you can find several standard documents on MyMensura to help you with this.
2. 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.
3. 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.