With regard to outside medical assistance, what does Cal/OSHA consider to be “in near proximity to the workplace?”

The phrase “in near proximity to the workplace” does not directly relate to any specific distance. In medical emergencies, response time is a more relevant measure. Sufficient response time for medical assistance is to be based on an assessment of workplace hazards and the possible outcomes that could occur.

While Cal/OSHA used to use a 3 to 4 minute response time for suffocation, severe bleeding, or other life threatening injury or illness, and a 15 minute response time for non-life threatening emergencies, that is not longer Cal/OSHA’s policy. In a letter of interpretation dated 04/18/2002, OSHA said “As an employer would not know in advance whether a life-threatening injury would occur, an employer should not use the 15-minute (non-life-threatening) time frame for determining the quantity and location of first-aid supplies; however, the 3-4 minute (life-threatening) time frame would be acceptable.”