OSHA guidelines for First Aid training recommend CPR training as an element. (1910.151)

Standard Number: 1910.151; 1910.151(b)

April 15, 1999

The Honorable James C. Greenwood
Member, U.S. House of Representatives
69 E. Oakland Ave.
Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18901

Dear Congressman Greenwood:

Thank you for your letter of February 18, addressed to Mr. Craig Obey, on behalf of your constituent, James J. Coyne, Jr., regarding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard 29 CFR 1910.151, Medical Services and First Aid.

1910.151(b) states, "In the absence of an infirmary, clinic, or hospital in near proximity to the workplace which is used for the treatment of all injured employees, a person or persons shall be adequately trained to render first aid. Adequate first aid supplies should be readily available."

Although it is not an OSHA requirement that employers provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training, OSHA's "Guidelines for First Aid Training Programs" recommends that CPR training be a general program element of a first aid program. It is recommended that employees receive refresher training to retain their knowledge of first aid procedures. Employees should be certified annually to perform CPR, and first aid training should take place at least once every three years.

Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health.

Sincerely,

Charles N. Jeffress
Assistant Secretary

[Corrected 10/23/2007]