Environment, Health and Safety Manual – Chapter 03.07: Injury, Illness, and Near Miss – First Aid

Environment, Health & Safety

Title

Environment, Health and Safety Manual – Chapter 03.07: Injury, Illness, and Near Miss – First Aid

OSHA Regulations

The OSHA General Industry Standard, CFR 1910.151, requires:

  1. employers must ensure the ready availability of medical personnel for advice and consultation on matters of occupational health;
  2. 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. First aid supplies must be approved by the consulting physician.
  3. where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate use.

Policy

The University encourages departments to make first aid kits available to employees for treatment of minor cuts and scratches. The availability of first aid supplies is not to be used as a substitute for obtaining medical treatment. Work units on the Chapel Hill campus have readily available access to medical treatment through the UNC University Employee Occupational Health Clinic (UEOHC) during regular work hours, or at the UNC Hospitals Emergency Department after-hours. Work units outside of the Chapel Hill area are to contact the Workers’ Compensation Manager, 919-962-5710, regarding medical coverage for their work unit.

First Aid Requirements

For work units that offer first aid personnel as an alternative to the UEOHC/UNC Hospitals Emergency Department, the following State Personnel Commission rules apply:

Training

The employee must possess a current American Red Cross Standard First Aid Card or higher certification such as the American Red Cross Advanced First Aid Card or be certified as an Emergency Medical Technician through the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services (919-733-2285). A copy of the certification, and subsequent renewals, must be sent to the Environment, Health and Safety Office. This training requirement does not apply to licensed medical personnel.

Job Description

The first aid responsibilities must be included in the employee’s job description.

Bloodborne Pathogens Training

Employees with first aid responsibilities must comply with the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, including attendance at a Environment, Health and Safety Office training program on the subject.

First Aid Log

Employees providing first aid must maintain a record of first aid administrations using the First Aid Log. A copy of the First Aid Log is to be submitted to the Environment, Health and Safety Office annually (January), or upon termination, change of job description eliminating first aid responsibilities, or upon expiration of the employees certification.

First Aid Kit

Departments can have a first aid kit on hand. A basic starter kit can be purchased from the University’s contracted office supplier. The following items are recommended:

  • Alcohol pads
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Different sized band aids/bandages (latex free)
  • Optional instant cold pack

Contact Information

Policy Contact

Environment, Health and Safety
1120 Estes Drive
Campus Box #1650
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-1650
Phone: 919-962-5507

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