Archive for the ‘First Aid’ Category

First Aid Kits – How do you check out?

by Shannon

First Aid Kits

We see them, but what exactly is in that First Aid Kit you probably walk by every day at your job? It is best to familiarize yourself with the items it contains before it’s too late. So what exactly should it contain you might ask? Well, the answer to that can be found in the newly revised American National Standard (ANS) minimum requirements for Workplace First Aid Kits and Supplies ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2015. This updated standard focuses on two classes of first aid kits, Class A and Class B. The Class A kit includes first aid supplies intended to treat more common workplace injuries, while the Class B kit includes supplies to deal with more complex injuries.

To ensure the safety of your employees your facility’s first aid kits should be reviewed periodically. When conducting safety checks in your facility be sure first aid kits and stations are fully stocked. Also be sure to check expiration dates of all supplies. If the product is nearing the end of its useful life, take note and order replacement supplies. If anything has already expired, remove them from use immediately and restock as necessary.

Do you have some great first aid kit best practices your workplace follows? We’d love to hear from you. Let us know by posting in the comments below.

Get more information on OSHA’s first aid kit standards now.

Have questions? Feel free to contact us today. We’d be happy to help.

Q&A: Creating the Best PPE Safety Program

by Julianne Bass

FAQAboutPPE

PPE should be considered the last line of defense when it comes to protecting workers from the unavoidable hazards of their jobs, but let’s face it many companies rely on PPE to get the job done. When selecting, training your workforce and implementing a proper PPE Protection Plan, make sure you have answers to all of the important questions before making any decisions.

Q: What are critical components to any successful PPE program?

                A: A successful PPE program starts with a proper assessment of the hazard area to ensure that your selection of PPE is correct. While all areas of your facility should be assessed on a regular basis, if there is one in particular that has a high number of accidents and injuries and requires PPE while performing task, start with a hazard assessment to pinpoint an exact solution. Then move on to selecting the right PPE. Not all PPE is created equally make sure that the specification needed for the job are met by the piece of protective wear that you are selecting. Once your PPE is selected be sure to train your workers on its importance, the proper way to use it, and follow up with fit tests, proper care, and inspections to make sure that if the quality of the PPE deteriorates that it is replaced in a timely manner.

Q: How often should PPE programs be updated?

A: At the very least your PPE program should be audited and updated on an annual basis to remain in compliance with OSHA regulations. However, many safety authorities recommend making regularly scheduled updates throughout the year or as needed.

Q: Does PPE have to be tested/inspected?

                A: Outside of annual updates, PPE must be regularly examined by a qualified worker to make sure that it is still performing to the standard it should be as stated on manufacturer labels. Simple maintenance should be done by the user such as cleaning and proper storage.

Q: How should PPE be stored?

                A: All PPE does not have the same storage instructions. As a rule, the specific piece of PPE your workers are using should be stored according to the instructions that came with it. Depending on the type of PPE if not stored properly it could deteriorate more quickly due to exposures to elements like dirt, sun, heat, cold etc.

Q: Is it ok to share PPE?

                A: In general it is not a good idea to share PPE among coworkers. Outside of the obvious issues around the spread of germs and infectious disease, PPE often requires fitting it to the specific user. Unless specifically stated in manufacturer instructions it is advised against sharing PPE. Only having one user will also help in keeping clear maintenance and replacement records.

The Spread of Disease in Your Workplace

by Julianne Bass

ebola

The Ebola virus is capable of posing severe, life-threatening risk, but it is not spread through casual contact; therefore, the likelihood of an outbreak in the U.S. is very low at this point in time. A person must first have been in close physical contact with an infected patient, their blood or bodily fluids and secondly have active symptoms themselves in order to spread Ebola onto others. Even though Ebola might not pose an immediate threat in your workplace at the moment there are sure fire ways to cut down on the potential for the spread of germs and harmful bacterias throughout your workplace.

Preventative actions:

  • Get vaccinated for flu season.
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds; use an alcohol-based hand rub
  • Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or cough and sneeze into your upper sleeve.
  • Keep frequently touched common surfaces clean
  • Avoid sharing phones, desks, office supplies, computers, or other work tools and equipment. If you must use a coworker’s equipment, consider cleaning it first with a disinfectant.
  • Avoid shaking hands or coming in close contact with coworkers and others who may be ill.
  • Stay in shape. Eat a healthy diet. Get plenty of rest, exercise, and relaxation.
  • Participate in any training offered by your employer.
  • Stay at home if you begin to develop symptoms.

Last year it was SARS and Swine Flu, this year Ebola and Enterovirus are on our radar; however germs and bacteria are always around and can just as easily cause illness and spread. This year’s current events should act as a reminder of how important it is to foster a clean and healthy workplace at all times throughout your facility not just when it is making headlines.

For more information on Ebola, and other infectious disease protocol visit:

https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ebola/index.html

https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/healthcarefacilities/infectious_diseases.html

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A Higher Dimension: Why Use 3D Projection Signs

by emedco

In cases of emergency, even a few seconds can be the difference between “saved” and “impaired”, which is why you need to install signs that immediately inform your workers what to do and where to proceed to when an accident occurs.

3D Projection Signs - AED

NEVER SKIP A HEARTBEAT. A 3D AED sign quickly informs your workers where they can find an automated external defibrillator.

Emedco is launching new 3D first aid signs, which are perfect for that job. Here’s why:

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Eyewash and 3-Way Sign Kits Keep Workers Aware and Safe

by emedco

When it comes to dealing with eye injuries, responding quickly is of paramount concern. This means you should immediately take an injured worker to an emergency eye wash station to prevent lasting damage, and eye wash stations in your facility must be clearly identified.

Eyewash and 3-Way Sign Kits

Identify eyewash stations better with 3-way signs.

 

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Don’t Take the Heat

by Julianne Bass

heatstressimage

Temperature variations that bring us all four seasons go from one extreme to the other, in what seems to be the blink of an eye. While the environment around us may be able to endure these drastic swings without consequence, the human body is very different. Maintaining a narrow range of deviation the human body core temperature averages a constant 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. As the mercury rises our body’s ability to regulate gets more difficult. The heart begins to pump faster, breathing and sweating increase. If the body can’t keep up with the changes that are happening around it, it begins to exhibit signs of heat cramps, exhaustion, or even stroke.

heatstresstableOSHA heat stress Index

In 2011, 61 workers died from heat illness and 4,420 additional workers became ill.

Heat Stress is influenced by several risk factors including climate conditions, the work environment, demands of the work, PPE and equipment, clothing and personal characteristics.

While there currently is no specific OSHA standard for heat stress employers are required under the General Duty Clause of the OSH Act to protect workers from recognized serious hazards. OSHA has cited and fined employers who expose workers to excessive heat.

Further highlighting the importance of keeping workers properly hydrated and taken care of during this summer season OSHA’s heat stress campaign provides many valuable resources for both educational and training purposes to make sure your workforce stays safe.

What Everyone Should See in Your First Aid Kit

by emedco

 

Carry-All First Aid Kit

You need to be prepared for accidents and injuries in your workplace, and a well-equipped first aid kit is essential for such circumstances. As a matter of fact, having a first aid kit in your facility is part of the law!

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) lays out the “minimally acceptable” number and type of first aid accessories required according to OSHA 1910.266 App A. That in mind, we’ve prepared a simple list of the right materials you should fill your first aid kit with. Follow these guidelines, and be prepared for anything!

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Save Space and Sight by Combining First Aid and Eyewash Stations!

by emedco

No matter what kind of business you’re running, it’s always important to have first aid supplies for your workers. The risk of accident runs anywhere people work, and adequate resources for treating minor injuries and providing first-response care is not only good policy — it’s a part of regulatory compliance.

First Aid/Eyewash Stations

Save space and concentrate emergency resources with First Aid/Eyewash Stations!

The risk and expenditure is also greater for businesses that must also provide eyewash stations for treating eye injuries and other vision-threatening accidents. This can lead to problems with placement and space, as well-equipped first aid kits and eyewash stations can take up a significant amount of space, as well as maintenance and resupply overhead.

If this is a concern for your business, consider an inventive new solution to the space problem — a combination first aid/eyewash station!

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Emedco 2014 Catalog: Your Guide to the Latest Workplace Solutions

by emedco

We know you want to start the year right by improving your workplace safety standards and keeping your safety record flawless. Lucky you, we at Emedco have just released our catalog!

Emedco’s 2014 Buyer’s Guide

YOUR SHOPPING BIBLE. When in doubt, heed Emedco’s safety and security solutions.

The 2014 Buyer’s Guide is loaded with industry-leading brands you trust and products you need to start the year safe and secure! We’ve packed the buyer’s guide with informative product descriptions that can help you make smart buying decisions. With sections organized and color-coded, shopping is a breeze!

Here’s a sneak peek of some of our newest products, created with your input and feedback in mind:

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The Basics of Emergency Preparedness

by emedco

Just like an unwanted solicitor, emergencies knock on your door when you least expect them. But unlike for an unwanted solicitor, you can prepare for emergencies.

When you get ready for disasters, whether natural or man-made, be sure to devise effective emergency preparedness plans that even in worst-case scenarios will help you and your employees out of harm’s way. This includes keeping an emergency kit handy and preparing your facility for catastrophes.

Audible and Visual Emergency Signal

Alert your employees of possible danger with an Audible and Visual Emergency Signal.

Install emergency preparedness products such as smoke detectors and fire and carbon monoxide alarms to alert your employees of disasters. Help them evacuate if necessary by putting up glow-in-the-dark exit signs that will show their way out. Make sure you have emergency escape ladders to cater to those working in high-rise buildings.

You should also distribute emergency kits to your employees in case they get trapped.  Ready, a national public service campaign, provides helpful information on how you can build a complete emergency kit. Ready recommends assembling your kit as soon as possible because you may not have enough time to do so if you have to evacuate during an emergency. After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own, so pack sufficient quantities of food, water and other supplies to last at least 72 hours.

Basic services such as electricity, gas and telecommunication services may be cut off for days, weeks or even longer. Make sure your kit has these emergency preparedness products to help you manage during these possible outages. (more…)