There are existing legislations in many countries all over the world that require for first aid to have its place in the work area. Every workplace is required to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to enable first aid to be given to employees if they are injured or become ill at work. Ideally, the following are the regulations on the first aid requirements in the workplace.
First, a first aid station shall contain a first aid box and a notice board displaying: a poster/ sign indicating that the area is the First Aid Station; the valid first aid certificates of qualification of the trained workers on duty; and an inspection card with spaces for recording the date of the most recent inspection of the first aid box and the signature of the person making the inspection. Also, a first aid station shall be in the charge of a worker who works in the immediate vicinity of the first aid station and who is qualified in first aid. The first aid station shall be so located in an accessible area for the prompt treatment of any worker at all times during work hours.
Secondly, a first aid box shall contain at least the minimum of the required first aid items and all items in the box shall be maintained in good condition at all times. The box shall be large enough so that each item is in plain view and easily accessible. Also, the expense of furnishing and maintaining of first aid appliances and services shall be accounted for by the employer.
Next, it is the responsibility of the employer to keep his employees posted on the necessity of reporting all accidents and consequently receiving first aid treatment thereafter, through the use of posters displayed at noticeable areas in the workplace. Also, every employer shall keep a record of all circumstances regarding an accident as described by the injured worker, the date and time of its occurrence, the names of witnesses, the nature and exact location of the injuries to the worker and the date, time and nature of each first aid treatment given.
Another requirement is that employers shall inspect first aid boxes and their contents at not less than quarter-yearly intervals and shall mark the inspection card for each box with the date of the most recent inspection and the signature of the person making the inspection. Inspections of first aid stations, appliances, services and records shall also be done on a regular basis as well.
And lastly, every employer shall provide and maintain a first aid station with a first aid box containing the following as a minimum: a current edition of a standard St. John Ambulance First Aid Manual; a card of safety pins; and a number of specific first aid dressings. The employer shall ensure that the first aid station is at all times in the charge of a worker who is a holder of a valid St. John Ambulance Emergency First Aid Certificate or its equivalent and works in the immediate vicinity of the station.