About

By Bob White

ROII Safety Services Director

Injuries such as minor cuts and abrasions may seem insignificant, but they can quickly become infected if left untreated. Bacterial entry into the wound can lead to swelling and discoloration. Employees may also experience allergic reactions to bee stings or spider bites, requiring medical attention at a clinic or hospital.

Effective communication and quick access to first aid are paramount to ensure your workforce's well-being. Here are 10 ways to help keep your employees safe:

1. Familiarize all employees with the location and proper usage of the first aid kit.

2. Clearly indicate where specific items are stored, such as bandages, disinfectants and allergy medication (some of which may be tailored to individual employees).

3. Ensure first aid supplies are easily accessible and clearly marked for swift retrieval.

4. Consider equipping work crews with a durable "knock around" first aid kit containing essential items, allergy medications, tourniquets, etc., especially when the main kit isn’t nearby.

5. Keep first aid materials near where your employees work to encourage use.

6. While employees are not obligated to disclose medical conditions that could pose a risk of industrial injury, maintaining open lines of communication with your workforce is crucial. Asking about employees' allergies to bee stings or insect bites could help prevent a medical crisis.

7. Encourage employees to keep necessary medical treatments on hand to safeguard themselves and the company. Specific medicines need to be readily available and nearby.

8. Reporting injuries to supervisors should be mandatory. Establish a policy for administering first aid treatment for minor wounds and bites. With the proper setup, disinfecting a cut, applying a bandage or taking allergy medicine takes only a minute.

9. Consider keeping convenient and quick disinfectant sprays on hand to treat small cuts and prevent infection.

10. Assign someone to restock the first aid kit whenever supplies are low.

Remember, having a valued employee miss even half a day of work due to an injury can result in significant delays. A little preparation and forethought can go a long way in protecting your employees and minimizing downtime and expenses for your company.

If you are an ROII participant and would like to receive my regular safety updates, including ideas for safety topics, please contact me at (360) 352-7800 ext. 109 or bobw@biaw.com.