First Aid in the Workplace: Essential Skills for Safer Work Environments 

First aid training is the key to ensuring a safe work environment, especially in high-risk industries—like construction, manufacturing, and energy—where workplace safety is a critical concern. Why? 

Because proper training and accessible resources are the difference between a prompt and effective injury response procedure and potential fatalities. In other words, first aid training can save lives, minimize downtime, and foster a culture of safety—all of which improve workplace well-being and ensure businesses stay compliant with safety regulations. 

Dive into this topic with us, where we’ll discuss the importance of first aid in the workplace, essential skills for handling emergencies, and more. 

What is First Aid in the Workplace? 

First aid in the workplace is the immediate treatment or care given to an injured or ill employee until professional medical help arrives. The goal of workplace first aid is to stabilize injuries, prevent illness from becoming worse, alleviate pain if possible, and even save lives.  

Ideally, first aid training will cater to the specific needs and conditions of each workplace, therefore addressing potential risks unique to the environment. 

Why is First Aid Important in the Workplace? 

With proper training, employees can quickly respond to emergencies, therefore reducing the severity of injuries, enhancing workplace safety, and ensuring companies meet regulatory compliance standards.  

For that reason, workplace first aid procedures are critical in many different situations. For instance, did you know that there are 10,000 cardiac arrests in the workplace each year in the United States? 

However, only 50% of people can locate an automated external defibrillator at work. This means a large number of workers throughout the U.S. are at risk of not receiving proper first aid in the event of a cardiac arrest. This is just one of many examples, as workplace injuries and illnesses range from slips and falls to burns and respiratory issues. 

On the other hand, first aid training can actually increase workplace injury prevention. Why? 

Because employees that undergo comprehensive training are more aware of their environment, meaning they can more effectively recognize risks and reduce injuries. 

Overall, first aid is a key factor in workplace injury management. This means companies should not only train their employees but also equip their team with necessary first aid resources to enhance safety. 

6 Essential First Aid Skills for Workplace Emergencies 

While we know first aid for workplaces is important, what are the essential skills that all workers should have? 

From CPR to managing burns and breathing emergencies, there are various workplace injury solutions that should be incorporated in your first aid training. 

1. Administering CPR and AED in Emergencies 

When performed in the first few minutes of cardiac arrest, CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and the use of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) can greatly increase a person’s chance of survival. But how do you do it? 

Here are some basic tips for performing CPR and using an AED in the workplace: 

• Performing CPR: The American Red Cross CPR guidelines recommend 100 to 120 chest compressions per minute, 30 at a time, with a compression depth of at least 2 inches. When training employees, remember to tell them that they should allow the chest to return to its normal position between compressions. These compressions should be paired with two breaths, ensuring each breath lasts about 1 second and makes the chest rise. When performing CPR, you can continue giving sets of 30 chest compressions and 2 breaths until you have access to an AED. 
• AED: To properly use an AED, remove all clothing covering the individual’s chest and place one pad on the upper side of the chest and the other on the lower side of the chest. After letting the AED analyze the heart’s rhythm, push the shock button, ensuring no one is in contact with the person. You should then immediately start CPR. 

2. Treating Cuts, Scrapes, and Wounds 

Cuts and wounds are among the most common injuries in the workplace. That said, it’s important that your entire team knows how to handle these injuries to prevent infection and minimize the chances of them getting worse. 

Some tips for treating wounds include: 

• Stop the bleeding: While minor cuts may stop bleeding on their own, deeper cuts may require more attention. To stop cuts from bleeding, put pressure on the area with a clean bandage or cloth, keeping the injured area raised until it stops bleeding. 
• Clean the wound: Rinse the cut with water, cleaning the area around the wound with soap while avoiding direct contact with the wound itself. You should then remove any dirt or debris with disinfected tweezers. Next, apply antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly to keep the surface moist. 
• Cover the wound: Unless it’s a minor scrape, you should cover the wound with a clean bandage or gauze, changing the covering at least once a day or whenever it becomes dirty. 
• Seek medical help: Your team member should seek medical help if they see signs of infection, swelling, or experience increasing pain. Additionally, they may need to seek immediate medical attention if they experience heavy bleeding.  

3. Managing Burns and Scalds 

From electrical burns to scalding injuries, workplace-related burns are a large concern in industries like construction, electric work, firefighting, and manufacturing, among others. 

For that reason, one of the first aid in the workplace requirements is to be prepared to handle burn accidents. As part of your company training, here’s what your team should know: 

• Assess the situation: The very first thing your team should do is ensure there are no ongoing hazards. This may include eliminating the source of heat or chemical that caused the injury. 
• Treating burns: Start by cooling the affected area by running cool water over it for at least 10 minutes. You should then remove any accessories or jewelry, in exception to anything that’s sticking to the burn. It’s important that you don’t apply any cream or ointment, as this can increase the risk of infection. 
• Cover the burn: Cover the burn loosely with cling film or a sterile dressing to prevent infection while medical help arrives. It’s recommended to not use adhesive bandages for burn-related incidents. 
• Seek medical help: You should seek medical attention if your burn is larger than 3 inches wide, has pus or liquid coming from it, was caused by an electrical shock or a chemical, or if the pain worsens with time. 

4. Addressing Sprains, Fractures, and Falls 

One of the advantages of providing first aid in the workplace is that your employees will know how to handle common accidents, such as sprains, fractures, and falls. While the treatment will depend on the severity of the injury, here are some important tips to consider: 

• R.I.C.E. method: The R.I.C.E. method, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation, is used to reduce swelling and minimize pain. This method is typically used for the first 48 to 72 hours after a minor injury and can be used for injuries like sprains and soft tissue injuries. 

• Serious injuries: For more serious injuries, such as fractures, the goal is to avoid making the injury worse while you wait for medical help. Depending on the injury, this may include stopping the bleeding, preventing the injured area from moving, and applying a splint to relieve pain. 

5. Handling Choking and Breathing Emergencies 

Choking or breathing emergencies can happen no matter where you are, so while this is a common workplace first aid procedure, it can be used in your everyday life as well, making it a valuable lesson for all your employees.  

That said, here’s what your team should know: 

• Heimlich Maneuver: If a person is choking, you can perform the Heimlich Maneuver, a first-aid method where you stand behind the individual and put your arms around their abdomen. This technique should be taught in depth, which includes positioning your thumb side just below the ribcage, thrusting inward and upward sharply five times, and repeating until the object is dislodged. If the person loses consciousness, then you should begin CPR immediately. 
• Asthma attack: If someone at work has an asthma attack, the first thing you should do is sit them upright. Next, give them 4 puffs of their puffer, repeating every 4 minutes until help arrives. If they feel better after using their inhaler, they should still get a checkup from a doctor to ensure there are no lingering issues. 

6. Recognizing and Responding to Allergic Reactions 

What should you do if someone on your team suffers from an allergic reaction? 

While allergic reactions are not uncommon, many don’t know how to properly handle them. That said, here are some areas you should cover in your first aid training: 

• Recognize the signs: An allergic reaction can range from mild to severe, with symptoms including sneezing, itching, swelling, and trouble breathing. By increasing awareness about allergic reactions, you can ensure your team gets the help they need in case of an emergency. 
• Use an EpiPen: EpiPens administer epinephrine in the event of a severe allergic reaction in order to quickly reduce symptoms. To use an EpiPen, hold it with the orange tip pointing downward and remove the blue safety cap by pulling straight up without bending or twisting. Next, place the orange tip against the middle of the outer thigh at a right angle to the leg. Push the auto-injector until it clicks and hold firmly in place for 3 seconds.  
• Seek medical help: If someone on the jobsite experiences a severe allergic reaction, you should contact emergency services immediately. In addition, they should follow up with a doctor afterward to prevent future reactions. 

Preparing and Maintaining First Aid Resources 

From keeping your workplace first aid kit stocked to conducting employee training, there are various elements that your company must consider when implementing new safety protocols. 

Essential Components of a Workplace First Aid Kit 

What should a workplace first aid kit include? 

While there may be some variations depending on the industry, here are some of the essential items: 

• Adhesive bandages in various sizes, gauze pads, and adhesive tape for wound care 
• Pain relievers (aspirin, ibuprofen) 
• Antibiotic cream, hydrocortisone cream, and pain-relieving gel 
• Tools such as scissors, tweezers, and thermometers 
• Specialized items like CPR masks, cold packs, splints, and an AED 
• Industry-specific items, such as eyewash solutions for environments with chemical exposure 
• Latex gloves 
• Directions for requesting emergency assistance 

Regular Inspection and Restocking of First Aid Supplies 

First aid kits must be regularly inspected and restocked to ensure your team is always equipped to handle different types of incidents. To do this, you can: 

• Establish a routine inspection schedule to ensure any missing items are quickly replaced. 
• Maintain a log of supplies to track usage and ensure timely replenishment. 
• Check expiry dates on all supplies and replace any expired items. 
• Look for any damaged or compromised items and replace them immediately. 

Accessibility and Visibility of First Aid Equipment 

First aid kits should be easily accessible to reduce response times during an emergency. You can do this by: 

• Placing kits in high-traffic and strategic locations, such as entrances, break rooms, and workstations. 
• Using clear, universally recognizable signage to indicate the location of first aid kits. 
• Incorporating maps or floor plans into safety training to familiarize employees with kit locations. 
• Considering portable or mobile kits to ensure resources are readily available in remote areas, especially for larger or dynamic workplaces. 

Training Employees on First Aid Resource Use 

In addition to keeping your first aid kit fully equipped with the necessary materials, your employees must also know how to navigate different injury response procedures. To ensure your staff receives proper training, you can: 

• Conduct workshops and hands-on training sessions to familiarize employees with kit contents and procedures. 
• Organize practice drills that simulate real-life scenarios to build confidence and readiness. 
• Include first aid training as a component of broader workplace safety programs. 
• Offer periodic refresher courses to ensure employees retain their skills. 
• Bring in a health and wellness specialist to provide in-depth training for serious injuries. 

Overcoming Common Challenges with Workplace First Aid 

Companies should be aware of potential obstacles when enforcing first aid protocols. Keep reading to learn the challenges associated with compliance, response procedures, and care coordination.  

1. Ensuring Legal Compliance with Workplace First Aid Regulations 

Compliance is a big concern in every industry. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has various first aid regulations that businesses must comply with, such as mandatory first-aid kit standards and general and industry-specific first aid protocols. 

That said, businesses may struggle to meet OSHA requirements, with violations resulting in citations and penalties. By working with specialists in workplace injury and workers’ comp case management, businesses can comply with legal standards, control workers’ comp costs/claims, and reduce litigations. This not only helps keep employees safe but also reduces the burden of having to manage compliance and injury-related challenges. 

2. Lack of Onsite Response Procedures 

From providing immediate care to developing a transitional work program, companies should have a detailed procedure for handling accidents. However, many businesses lack a clear, actionable response plan for unexpected injuries or emergencies.  

By having a partner that provides onsite healthcare and injured worker care, you can expedite the recovery process and minimize disruptions. At JobSiteCare, we offer assistance throughout the entire process, leveraging occupational telemedicine to provide virtual assessments within 60 seconds, comprehensive case management, and regular check-ins to ensure your employees’ well-being. 

3. Care Coordination Intricacies 

There are many challenges involved in coordinating care after an injury, especially when multiple stakeholders—such as employees, supervisors, and healthcare providers—are involved. This can lead to miscommunication, delays in recovery, and even an increased risk of getting re-injured after returning to work.  

JobSiteCare streamlines this process by helping employers coordinate care and manage injury cases, providing regular telemedicine-led follow-ups, referrals, workplace mental health support, and transitional work programs tailored to the worker’s needs. 

Conclusion 

First aid is a complex process, involving everything from administering CPR to treating wounds and keeping workplace kits stocked. For that reason, improving work injury care comes with many challenges, requiring both employee training and compliance with legal standards. 

At JobSiteCare, we understand the complexities of workplace injuries, and we’re fully equipped to assist your team in enforcing first aid protocols. By providing end-to-end care, we deliver immediate assistance, ensure a swift return to work, and most importantly, help your team feel more confident in first aid procedures. 

To learn more about our tailored workplace health solutions, contact us today.

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