As part of the workplace’s emergency action plan, an emergency medical plan is essential. This plan must be posted in a location where it’s visible to employees in the event of a medical emergency.
All personnel should be trained on the emergency medical plan at initial hire and at least annually thereafter.
The plan should include the following:
Address of the workplace
Phone number of the workplace
Location of the first aid kits
Location of emergency eye wash or emergency shower
Names of those people trained to render first aid
Emergency services phone number or 911
List of medical services located in close proximity to the workplace
Include their phone numbers, address and directions, and hours of service
Facilities should have multiple first aid kits placed strategically around the plant/office. OSHA requires first aid supplies to be readily available, kits marked clearly as such, and contain the appropriate supplies for the environment. Kits must be properly maintained, accessible to all employees and stored in locations where they will not be damaged.
If it is reasonably anticipated that employees will be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials while using first aid supplies, employers are required to provide appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PPE must be provided at no charge, be available at the location of the first aid kit and include at least 1) disposable medical gloves; 2) safety glasses/face shield; 3) N95 or similar mask.
Commercial first aid kits are available at office supply stores, pharmacy stores, or facilities can make up their own. Kits should include absorbent compresses, adhesive bandages, adhesive tape, sterile pads, scissors, and triangular bandages. Over-the-counter medicine can be placed in kits if packaged in single-dose, tamper-evident packaging, and labeled as required by FDA regulations.