Red Cross training and OSHA compliance requirements

¶ … workplace environment, regardless of the amount of hazards or type of environment, should have a basic first aid, CPR and blood born pathogen training program or, at the very least, an emergency response plan.

First Aid

Although much of first aid is common sense, as most people seem to learn at least some of the steps to proper first aid by trial and error and just going through life, to effectively administer life-saving first aid, one needs hands-on-training by experts. Further, it is best that this training occur immediately upon starting the job, as opposed to in reaction to an unprepared-for emergency, and that review courses are offered regularly. To be sufficiently trained to respond with emergency first-aid treatment, one must attend a training course. Training courses are often offered through such community organizations as the Red Cross or, due to the increase in demand for employee training, by commercial providers.

CPR

Cariopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, is an emergency first procedure used on a victim of cardiac arrest. Although CPR is part of the emergency medical provider's chain of survival, which includes early access to emergency medical services, early CPR, early defibrillation and early advanced care, it is a procedure that can be performed by laypersons. In fact, because CPR is such a vital component in saving a person's lives, it is highly advised that all people become fully trained in CPR procedures. This is especially true in the workplace setting.

CPR is a skill that must be learned from professional training and through regular practice and review courses. Typically training involves hands-on practice using a resuscitation mannequin. Like all first aid procedures, CPR is a skill that should be learned at the beginning of an employment relationship and not as a reaction to an employment emergency situation. Because CPR is such a specific procedure, it is best if it is taught by an expert, which will allow the person to perform CPR in an effective and safe manner.

Blood Borne Pathogens

A blood born pathogen is the cause of a blood-born disease, or one that can be spread by contact with contaminated blood. Common examples of such blood borne pathogens are HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C Because it is nearly impossible to determine whether blood is contaminated with a blood-borne pathogen, it is standard medical procedure to assume all blood (or other bodily fluid, for the matter) is contaminated. Thus, it is essential that certain blood and body fluid precautions are taken.

The issue of blood borne pathogens becomes an issue in both workplace safety and emergency care. If anyone is injured on a job and that injury involves a loss of blood, as has been previously mentioned, it is essential that that person receive immediate emergency medical first aid. However, on the other hand, administering first aid or CPR on the injured employee puts the emergency procedure provider at risk of coming into contact with a potentially fatal blood borne pathogen. For this reason, additional training is necessary to ensure that all emergency first aid and CPR procedures take into account precautions against contaminated blood.

The Red Cross

The American Red Cross is one of the leading providers of emergency medical procedure training, including first aid and CPR. Although the Red Cross website, www.redcross.org, offers valuable and in-depth information on emergency training and services, it is highly recommended that an actual course be taken. Courses are available and arranged through the employer's local area chapter.

According to the Red Cross' brochure on emergency training in an office setting, the training program will enable one to: care for conscious and unconscious choking victims, perform CPR, use an automated external defibrillator on a victim of cardiac arrest, give first aid and treat sudden illnesses. Part of all standard training is to include information on blood borne pathogens.

OSHA

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, is an agency under the United States Department of Labor, established in 1970. According to its mission statement, OSHA is to work to prevent work-related injuries, illnesses and deaths by issuing and enforcing rules and standards for workplace safety and health. One of OSHA's most recent standards was released in 1990 and was related to preventing workers from being exposes to blood borne pathogens such as hepatitis B and HIV.

OSHA issues regular reports outlining standard procedures for workplace safety and first aid. For example, according to the publication entitled Best Practices Guide: Fundamentals of Workplace First-Aid Program, (which is not a standard regulation but only a recommendation) it is advised that all workplace environments assess the risks associated with their environment and thereafter design a first-aid program specific for that worksite.

However, OSHA does have specific, first aid requirements. According the OSHA First

Aid Standard (29 CFR 1910.151) required at least one trained first-aid provider at all workplaces, regardless of size, if there is no "infirmary, clinic or hospital in near proximity to the workplace which is used for the treatment of all injured employees." Further, the OSHA standard requires several specific forms of first aid training, including CPR. Specifically, OSHA requires CPR training because "sudden cardiac arrest from asphyxiation, electrocution or exertion may occur."

OSHA also has a standard to cover all employees expected to render first aid as part of their job duties from exposure to blood borne pathogens. According to the OSHA standard entitled Occupational Exposure to Blood Borne Pathogens (29 CFR 1910.1030), all employees required to give first aid must receive specific training to prevent exposure to blood borne pathogens. According to this standard, all workplaces must be fully equipped with antiseptic hand washing facilities, a safe place to dispose of any potentially contaminated equipment, protective equipment for all employees expected to deal with potential exposures, a plan for hepatitis B vaccination and post exposure follow-up evaluations, and a standardized procedure for communicating potential hazards to employees.