Implementing your first aid kit into your risk assessment can ensure that reasonably anticipated supplies are available to treat most injuries and illnesses that could be expected to occur in the workplace.

Here’s what should be in your job site First Aid Kit pursuant to the ANSI Z308-1 standard for a small workplace:

1 Absorbent Compress 4×8 in. minimum

5 yds. Adhesive Tape

10 Antiseptic applications 0.14 fl. oz. each

6 Burn Treatment applications 1/32 oz. each

4 Sterile Pads 3×3 in. minimum

2 pair Medical Exam Gloves

1 Triangular Bandage 40 x 40 x 56 in. minimum

16 Adhesive bandages 1×3 in

Other items to consider:

Include any personal items such as medications and emergency phone numbers or other items your health-care provider may suggest.

2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)

1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)

1 instant cold compress

2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)

Scissors

1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)

1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)

5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)

Tweezers

Flashlight (Make sure the flashlight batteries work)

Sun Screen

Eye Wash (large bottles)

Employers should periodically reassess the demand for the supplies found in company first aid kits and make a conscious effort to adjust their First Aid Kit inventory accordingly.  And most importantly, check expiration dates and replace any used or out-of-date contents.

Initially, the injury should be properly treated, and the injury reported promptly after proper care and treatment is provided.  If you’re like most people, you may take wound healing for granted.  Typically people get a small cut, put on a bandage and carry on with their activities.  However, healing of even small wounds is biologically a complex sequence of events. Take for example, the basic fact that everyone bleeds when they get cut.  But there is more to it than just that – the blood clots to prevent blood loss but also to protect the wound. Blood-borne oxygen is essential for healing and the right balance of oxygen is needed.  With the right balance, the wound is repaired, rebuilt, and strengthened.

The healing process seems simple, but it is not.  Certain factors can disrupt the process, such as inadequate blood supply to the wound, diabetes, and high blood pressure.  A wound that is not getting enough blood could take at least twice as long to heal, or may not heal at all.  By some estimates, as many as 6.5 million people in the United States suffer with wounds that are not healing well (Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Library).

It’s important to follow proper steps of first aid treatment for a wound of any size – no matter how small.  Proper treatment is even more important on work sites where we deal with water, soil, and chemicals that could complicate the healing process. 

REMEMBER:  At Stratus we do not skip steps in safety, so take a couple minutes to properly treat any wound, at work or at play! 

Thanks to: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/surgical_care/how_wounds_heal_134,143/

Goals

1. Recognize the hazards and symptoms of exposure to cold.
2. Know how to prevent and respond to cold exposure.

Overexposure to Cold—Indoors or Outdoors—Can Be Harmful to Health

Frostbite. Body tissues may freeze when skin is exposed to extreme cold or touches a very cold object.

1. The nose, ears, cheeks, fingers, and toes are at greatest risk.
2. Worst cases can cause permanent tissue damage, loss of movement in affected parts, and possibly unconsciousness and death from heart failure.
3. Damage may be greater if the body part is thawed, then refrozen.

Hypothermia. Exposure to cold may send body temperatures to dangerously low levels.

1. It can occur in above-freezing temperatures when it’s windy or you’re exhausted or wearing wet clothes.
2. Worst cases can lead to unconsciousness and death.

Factors that increase the risks of frostbite and hypothermia include:

• 1. Age
• 2. Overweight
• 3. Smoking and drinking
• 4. Certain medications, allergies, or poor circulation
• 5. Victims’ failure to recognize symptoms and take prompt action

Reduce the Risks of Exposure to Extreme Cold

1. Avoid bathing, smoking, or drinking alcohol before going into cold conditions.
2. Wear layers of loose, dry clothes. If possible, wear wool underneath and a waterproof layer on top.
3. Always cover hands, feet, face, and head in the cold
4. An uncovered head can make the body lose up to 40 percent of its heat.
5. Change or get dry immediately if clothes get wet.
6. Keep moving while working in the cold. Take regular breaks in warm areas.
7. Move to a warm area when you start to feel very cold or numb.
8. Have a warm alcohol-free, caffeine-free drink

Recognize Frostbite and Hypothermia Symptoms

Frostbite symptoms include:

• Feeling extremely cold, then numb—with possible tingling, aching, or brief pain.
• White or grayish yellow glossy skin, which may blister.
• Confusion, failing eyesight, and shock as condition progresses.

Hypothermia symptoms include:

• Chills, shivering, numbness and sometimes pain in the extremities.
• Slurred speech, poor coordination, confusion, drowsiness.

Respond Quickly and Correctly to Frostbite and Hypothermia Symptoms

1. Act immediately when symptoms develop to prevent serious problems

• Move to a warm place.
• Replace frozen, wet, or tight clothes with warm clothes or blankets.
• Drink a warm beverage—without alcohol or caffeine.
• Get medical help after first aid treatment.
• Take first aid actions for frostbite:

1. a. Warm the frozen part immediately with blankets or warm (not hot) water.
2. Avoid touching the frozen part; don’t rub or hit it.
3. Keep the frozen part away from hot stoves, heat lamps or hot water bottles.
4. Don’t break blisters or drink anything with caffeine.
5. Exercise the body part once it’s warm—but don’t walk on frostbitten feet

• Take first aid actions for hypothermia:

1. Cover victim with blankets—and/or lie next to person to give body heat.
2. DON’T use hot baths, electric blankets, or hot water bottles.
3. Keep the person awake and give artificial respiration if needed.
4. Get emergency help immediately if the person loses consciousness.

Summation: When It’s Cold, Be Constantly Alert to Health Hazards

Dress and move to prevent frostbite and hypothermia. Act immediately if you or someone around you experiences any symptoms.