• OSHA has specific requirements for first-aid supplies and medical services at the workplace.
• When an injury or illness occurs, a maximum response time of 15 minutes is currently recognized by OSHA as appropriate for most cases.
• The company EAP should outline everything employees need to know in the event of an emergency.

First-aid supplies and other medical services must be available at the workplace.

The minimum Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements are:

• Medical personnel must be available for advice on occupational health matters.
• Prior to the start of a project, provisions must be made for prompt medical attention in case of serious injury.
• An infirmary, clinic, hospital, or physician must be nearby; or someone trained in first aid must be available at the worksite.
• First-aid supplies must be easily accessible.
• There must be an available means to transport an injured person to a physician or hospital.
• If 911 service is not available, the emergency numbers for physicians, hospitals, and ambulances must be posted.

On-site medical treatment — When an injury or illness occurs, the maximum response time is 15 minutes. This is currently recognized by OSHA as appropriate for most cases.

However, conditions at each workplace must be considered when developing the first-aid program. This is to ensure that 15 minutes is adequate to meet all needs. Where a medical facility is near the workplace, OSHA rules require the employer to ensure the following:

• In areas where accidents resulting in suffocation, severe bleeding, or other life-threatening injuries or illnesses can be expected, a three to four minute response time is required.
• In other circumstances, for instance where a life-threatening injury is an unlikely outcome of an accident, a longer response time of up to 15 minutes is acceptable.
• If work is conducted in areas where emergency transportation is not available, the company must provide acceptable transportation. If arrangements cannot be made to provide emergency medical service within an appropriate timeframe, then a person trained in first aid must be available for each shift.

Eyewash/Drenching stations — Where workers may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable eyewash/drenching stations must be available at the jobsite.

Review the company’s Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for first aid and medical services. The EAP should outline everything employees need to know to get help during a medical emergency.