AboutMike Brown CSP Retired Expertise I specialize in the professional management of occupational safety and health as well as workers` compensation to reduce losses and improve production and address related issues through a comprehensive approach by senior management using proven principals.I worked for over twenty (20) years in the management of occupational safety, health and workers` compensation and safety training (Retired from employment in 1996 due to a stroke, which prevented the extensive travel required).
Question Can a workplace have a simple(minimum amount of items) first aid kit put in their maintenance shop even if a clinic or infirmary is a block away? If they can, do they have to have a personnel trained in first aid? Pls advise and clarification of OSHA 1910.151b is appreciated.
Answer Question:
Can a workplace have a simple(minimum amount of items) first aid kit put in their maintenance shop even if a clinic or infirmary is a block away? If they can, do they have to have a personnel trained in first aid? Pls advise and clarification of OSHA 1910.151b is appreciated.
Answer:
Short answer - yes. My recommendations – get a basic (you can be cited for having supplies beyond the basic OSHA list) first aid kit which meets the OSHA standards (please purchase from a trusted safety supply house – there are a lot of people being ripped off by paying for very expensive “OSHA Approved” first aid kits that are from 2 to 4 times the real price). Then, take the kit, seal it up (cable ties or duct-tape works well) and the put it in a location known to all and clearly marked. Next, go to Walgreens or similar and purchase a box of Band-Aids and similar items and put in a drawer where they are accessible to employees. Make certain ALL understand the first aid kit is for emergencies only and the other supplies are for day-to-day use. Do not label the others as first aid or medical supplies or you will be responsible for them being treated as the “fist aid kit” in the event of an inspection.
The logic behind this is that in my experience one does not need to be a rocket scientist to be an inspector. A violation involving first aid supplies is quick and simple to cite. A few photos and the citation is supported. Once we went this route, we greatly reduced our being cited for not having or maintaining a “proper and OSHA Approved First Aid Kit”. What this has to do with safety is beyond the scope of what we are talking about. The sun comes up in the morning and OSHA inspectors love first aid kit citations.
The question of first aid trained individuals is equally clear. Some inspectors will say if you have a clinic or infirmary of fire department next door that you do not need a trained individual. Others will say that a person may not be “immediately available” and start writing. My personal opinion is that all workplaces of any type or size should have enough persons trained in first aid such that there will always be someone available. (We tried to offer first aid training to employees, spouses and in some cases children over the age of 14 as a service. These were popular and the slight additional expense well worth it.) In short, the training is an excellent idea and the more the better even though the majority of uses will be away from the workplace.
I hope this will provide some direction as each inspector will make an individual determination as to what is proper for your circumstances at that specific time and place. If I can provide any additional assistance please feel free to contact me at Mike@splc-kilchis.com.
Michael Brown CSP Retired
