First Aid Programs

It is a requirement of OSHA that employees be given a safe and healthy workplace that is reasonably free of occupational hazards. However, it is unrealistic to expect accidents not to happen. Therefore, employers are required to provide medical and first aid personnel and supplies commensurate with the hazards of the workplace. The details of a workplace medical and first aid program are dependent on the circumstances of each workplace and employer.

First aid refers to medical attention that is usually administered immediately after the injury occurs and at the location where it occurred. It often consists of a one-time, short-term treatment and requires little technology or training to administer. First aid can include cleaning minor cuts, scrapes, or scratches; treating a minor burn; applying bandages and dressings; the use of non-prescription medicine; draining blisters; removing debris from the eyes; massage; and drinking fluids to relieve heat stress. OSHA’s revised recordkeeping rule, which went into effect January 1, 2002, does not require first aid cases to be documented. For example: A worker goes to the first-aid room and has a dressing applied to a minor cut by a registered nurse. Although the registered nurse is a health care practitioner, the employer does not have to report the accident because the worker simply received first aid. The selected references below provide more information on first aid.

Regulations / Directives / Training

• First Aid Requirements (Appendix A to § 1910.151 — First aid kits (Non-Mandatory) – 1910.151 App A)

• Medical services and first aid. (1926.50 App A)

• TRAINING

  • First-aid and CPR Training (Mandatory). (1910.266 App B)

  • American Red Cross First Aid, CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Courses

  • Medic First Aid International  First aid, CPR, AED, bloodborne pathogens, emergency oxygen, and OSHA safety compliance training courses

Resources