Service Vehicles – First Aid

Make sure your kit meets requirements

by Ray Hopkins, BAS, Project Coordinator, CSAO

 

Construction workers who operate out of service vehicles should know the legal requirements for first aid stations in their workplaces on wheels.

First aid is a vital resource. Prompt and correct treatment of injuries not only reduces pain and suffering but also saves lives.

Number one on your list should be a valid St. John Ambulance emergency first aid certificate or equivalent. This ensures that you have the training necessary to respond quickly to an emergency.

 

"First Aid Stations must be easily accessible."

 

Requirements for first aid stations and kits in the workplace are stipulated in Regulation 1101 under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act.

First Aid Station

In general, each service vehicle must be equipped with a fully stocked first aid station and a current St. John Ambulance first aid manual.

The person in charge of the station must hold a valid St. John Ambulance emergency first aid certificate or equivalent.

A first aid station in a service vehicle must contain as a minimum:

• first aid kit --- stocked appropriately for the number of workers
• valid first aid certificates of trained workers on duty
• inspection card for recording the date of the most recent kit inspection and the inspector’s signature.

 

 

The first aid station must be in the charge of a worker who works in the immediate vicinity. Stations must be easily accessible for the prompt treatment of personnel at all times while work is in progress.

 

These requirements for a first aid station apply to service vehicles only. At permanent sites the first aid station must contain additional items.

 

First Aid Kit

Some of the requirements for stocking first aid kits are identified below.

Every employer employing not more than five workers in any one shift must provide and maintain a first aid station with a first aid kit containing at least the following items.

Every employer employing more than five workers and not more than fifteen workers in any one shift must provide and maintain a first aid station with a first aid kit containing at least the following items.

 

"Basic kits can be customized..."

 

Basic kits can be customized to reflect specific hazards associated with the trade or project by adding items. Items to consider include

• disposable gloves
• CPR mask
• hot/cold pack
• scissors
• burn spray or gel
• roll of tape.

In addition, make sure that fresh clean water is available to rinse skin or eyes.

Working Alone

A fully stocked first aid kit may be useless to someone injured while working alone. Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, employers and supervisors must take reasonable precautions to protect workers. This includes procedures for personnel working alone.

The procedures should be spelled out in the company health and safety policy and in the emergency response plan. For information refer to “Working Alone” in Construction Safety magazine (summer 1999, Volume 10, Number 2).