Major disasters do not happen often in the workplace; however, the way we handle the occasional first-aid incidents can determine how well we respond in a life-threatening emergency. This week is a great time to prepare for injuries and incidents and learn how to respond to them quickly and correctly. When disaster strikes, our "practice" can make the difference in whether someone lives or dies.

Monday - Beyond the Band Aid

All organizations must be prepared to respond to all injuries or illnesses no matter where they occur on the work site, shop floor, or administrative office. It is every organization’s responsibility to ensure every personnel member can be treated with first aid by supplying training and access to a first aid kit when needed. Legislation also requires that every workplace must carry a first aid kit specific for that site. Remember, first aid kits are not “one size fits all”. Each industry has a different rating for what is required inside the kit.

It is a good idea to do an inspection of each kit monthly to make sure no contents are expired and inventory is complete. This is also a good way to take note of whether supplies are missing but no first aid reports have been filed. This could be an indication that a training refresher is needed and a reminder that documentation is critical.  A great way to decide if your kit is the right fit for your work site is through a hazard assessment: sit down as a group and discuss the hazards and what is needed to treat injuries caused by those hazards. A good thing to do at this point is to make sure all your supplies are approved by your regulating partners, such as the FDA.

Hazards can also be found by taking stock of what safety plans are in place. Take the time to check your first aid kit and make sure you can treat injuries with the available supplies. A first aid record should be completed when anything is taken from the first aid kit. An investigation of the incident to help prevent the injury from happening again and to make sure supplies are then replenished in the kit for future use is crucial. An injury as small as a paper cut has the potential to cause a serious infection if not treated correctly.

Tuesday – Fire Response

It is MANDATORY for ALL personnel to evacuate upon hearing the fire alarm.

What to do if fire is spotted:

1. SAFELY shut down any machinery you are operating. In most cases, there will be no need to press the “Emergency Stop”.
2. Yell “FIRE, FIRE, FIRE!” to warn everyone around.
3. Have someone sound the fire alarm and contact the fire department from a phone or cell phone.

***NOTE: DO NOT ASSUME the alarm has contacted the fire department.

If you are alone in the workplace:

1. Sound the fire alarm.
2. Contact the fire department from a phone or cell phone.

Fight or Flight?

If possible to fight the fire, grab an appropriate extinguisher and follow the listed instructions on the exterior of the extinguisher.

Some factors to consider before attempting fighting a fire:

• LEAVE IMMEDIATELY if there is excessive smoke or smoke is building fast.
• Ensure fire department has already been called.
• Ensure the proper extinguisher is available.
• You are trained to use the fire extinguisher and are confident about using it.

FIGHT

If you decide to put the fire out:

• If possible, have another person get another fire extinguisher.
• Always keep your back to the exit — never allow the fire to get between you and the exit.
• Never turn your back on a fire.
• Remember PASS:
  • Pull the pin
  • Aim at the base f the flames
  • Squeeze the trigger
  • Sweep the extinguisher in a back and frth motion
• Do not immediately walk away after the fire has been extinguished; observe the site for a few minutes in case of re-ignition.

FLIGHT

If you decide you cannot fight the fire or have attempted and failed:

• Close all the windows and doors WHEN or IF it is safe.
• Exit the building from the safe exit and make your way to the gathering place.

Wednesday – Serious Injury

It is impossible to cover all injury scenarios; therefore, a general procedure is as follows:

If a serious injury or accident occurs in the workplace:

• Shut down all equipment in the area.
• Call 911.
• If the potential for further injury still exists and can be made safe without further injuries, do so.
• Administer first aid as required.
• DO NOT pick up tools, parts, or equipment at the accident scene.
• DO NOT DISTURB the accident scene unless administering medical assistance or an immediate danger still exists and needs to be moved.
• Remain at work unless told to go home by your supervisor – investigators may wish to talk with you.

If a fatality occurs in the workplace:

• Shut down all equipment in the area.
• Call 911.
• Try to resuscitate if possible.
• DO NOT pick up tools, parts, or equipment at the accident scene.
• DO NOT DISTURB the accident scene unless administering medical assistance or an immediate danger still exists and needs to be moved.
• Remain at work unless told to go home by your supervisor – investigators may wish to talk with you.

Know the Difference:

• A serious injury is an injury that requires assistance from others.
• A serious accident significantly damages equipment and the potential for serious injury exists.

Thursday - Automobile Accidents

If you are involved in an automobile accident:

• Never admit liability. Only the police officer or investigator can objectively assess responsibility.
• Attend to all injured parties first – a first aid kit is in every company vehicle.
• Contact local police.
• Contact your location manager.
• Exchange insurance information with the involved parties.

Be sure to get a copy of the motor vehicle accident report from the responding police officer.

Friday - Natural Disaster

Tornado Warning

• If a tornado has been sighted, seek shelter immediately. Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
• Go to the basement or storm cellar if in a house or small building.
  • If there is n basement, go to an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallways), get under a sturdy table, hold on, and protect your head. Stay there until the danger has passed.
• If in a vehicle, trailer, or mobile home, get out immediately and move to a more sustainable structure.
• DO NOT attempt to out drive a tornado. They are erratic and move swiftly.
• If driving or there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in the nearest ditch, ravine, or culvert with your hands shielding your head.
• After the tornado has passed, watch for hazards created by the storm such as broken glass or downed power lines.

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