Lesson Notes

First Aid Kit

If you work with an organization you must know the procedures that are in place for you to
follow when it comes to hazards and risks. A hazard is a condition or combination of conditions
that, if left uncorrected, might lead to an accident, illness, or property damage.
There are several hazardous situations which if detected early and corrected speedily, can
significantly reduce the chances of accidents occurring. Risk control must be used to analyze the
workplace, identify hazards, and develop strategies for overcoming these hazards. Your employer
must ensure that working conditions are safe and that the welfare and health of all employees are
protected at all times.

Here are some safety guidelines:

The source of the hazards must be eliminated
Emergency and fire exits should be clearly marked, free from obstacles and kept open
Emergency and fire evacuation procedures should be maintained
Electrical wiring, cables conduits and plugs/wall sockets should be checked regularly
There should be no electrical wires/cords trailing on the floor
Workplace emergencies often require a medical response. The immediate response is usually first
aid. First aid consists of life saving measures taken to assist an injured person until medical help
arrives.

Other safety procedures are:

File cabinets should be closed when not in use
Keys should be handled safely – if keys get into the hands of the wrong person(s), this
could jeopardize the safety and security of visitors and staff
Suitable personal protective clothing and equipment should be available
Employees should be trained
Good housekeeping should be practiced
Regular safety/maintenance checks on all equipment/appliances should be done
A safe and secure working environment should be maintained at all times in order to
eliminate or minimize the chance of accidents such as:
- fire
- falls, cuts, burns
- electrical shocks

In addition, a knowledge of first aid is vital to workers because it can make the difference between
life and death, temporary and permanent disability and rapid recovery and long hospitalization. For
every hazard that you identify you should implement hazard control methods. The first step

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involves selecting the method or methods that are most likely to produce the desired results. Once
selected, the method is applied and monitored to determine if the expected results are being
achieved.

RECOGNIZE AND REPORT HAZARDS

You should recognize and report hazards quickly to designated personnel. There are several
hazardous situations that, if detected early and corrected speedily, could reduce significantly, the
chances of accidents occurring.
Some of the common hazards that are found in the workplace environment are:
- slippery floors - defective electrical cords
- equipment stored untidily - malfunctioning equipment and tools
- spillage - worn electrical insulators
- uncovered drains - overloading of electrical sockets
- cracked or broken tiles - trailing electric or telephone leads
- built-up litter - obstacles in gangways,
- sharp surfaces - frayed carpets
- broken glass, furniture and fixtures - improper storage of hazardous
- unsuitable positioning of furniture substances
- protrusion of sharp objects
You should note that many accidents and hazards could be avoided if you identified them by
looking at the differences between dangers, risks and hazards. There is no doubt that many
accidents and hazards can be avoided if you pay attention to the working environment in which you
operate.
Hazards identification may include:
• work-place inspections
• on the-job housekeeping checks
• checking equipment at workstation area before and during work

Here are some important points that you must note when identifying hazards:
• Following safe work procedures by identifying and reporting risks or hazards
• Use business equipment according to guidelines
• Understanding workplace procedures and work instructions for identifying and reporting
hazards
• Dealing competently with any hazardous or potentially hazardous situations
• Listening to the ideas and opinions of others in the team
• Checking equipment or workstation before and during work
• Making on-the job housekeeping checks
• Making regular workplace inspections

Designated personnel may include supervisors, managers, team leaders, designated Occupational
Health Managers, designated Occupational Health and Safety representatives, other safety officers
and other persons authorized or nominated by the specified work.
Danger - is the possibility of suffering harm or injury; cause of harm or injury.
Risk - is a situation involving exposure to danger.
Hazard- is defined as danger or risk.

FOLLOW WORKPLACE PROCEDURES AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR ASSESSING AND CONROLLING

RISKS

Many accidents in the offices are caused by carelessness or thoughtlessness. According to Vogel,
“Every year about seven thousand (7000) fires occur in office buildings, which cause injuries,
deaths, and millions of dollars in fire damages.
It is important that you assess and control risks accurately. In order to minimize hazards in the
workplace, employers will need to assess the likely risks such as heavy-duty equipment and
machinery.
Your employer should advise its workers on its Health and Safety Management, and strategies to
be implemented to improve safety. It is also safe to keep a record of accidents and treatments in
case of claims for compensation.

Risks can be controlled by:

• Confining smoking to designated areas that are equipped with non-tip ashtrays and fire-
resistant furnishings.

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 • Periodically checking electrical circuits connections and replacing frayed or worn cords
immediately.
• Making sure that extension cords and other accessories are UL approved and used only
as recommended.
• Making sure there is plenty of airspace left around copying machines and other office
machines that might overheat.
• Locating heat-producing appliances away from the wall or anything else that could ignite.
• Frequently inspecting personal appliances such as hotplates, coffee pots, and cup
warmers.
• Assigning a specific person to be responsible for turning off such appliances everyday.
• Keeping aisles, stairwells, and exits clear of paper, boxes, and other combustible
materials.
• Identifying and understanding ways to minimize risks.
• Making suggestions, requests, reports and concerns to management.
• Exhibiting behaviour that contributes to a safe working environment.
• Not ignoring warning signs.
• Following operating instructions when dealing with equipment.
• Taking actions to minimize risks.

DEALING WITH ACCIDENTS, FIRE, AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

It is your responsibility along with management and workers to help to prevent accidents in the
offices. If a fire extinguisher is available, you along
with co-workers should know where the fire extinguisher is located and how it is used.

Fire Extinguisher
The risk of accidents, fire and other emergencies should be a concern for all workers in the
organization. You are to be aware that office emergencies are sudden and unexpected, and they
require immediate attention. Delays in attending to these emergencies can result in chaos,
destruction of property and/or loss of life. You should have plans for emergencies posted in
conspicuous locations.
Actions to be taken in the case of a fire:
- sound the alarm (break glass)
- call the operator or supervisor
- evacuate the area in a calm manner
- assemble in the designated area for a roll call.

In addition you should know the address of the fire brigade company, know how to give directions
to your company, know the telephone number of the premises and the direct location of the fire.

The fire legislation has been developed for safe work practices for you and visitors in the
organization. Failure to observe the regulations can lead to damage to property and workers.
You should play an active role in fire notices and information provided about fire. You should also
take part in fire evacuations and fire drills when necessary.

If you have to evacuate an area:

- switch off any machinery that is being used
- close windows and doors
- follow escape route, do not RUN, walk,
- assist others
- go immediately to the assembly point and DO not return for belongings.

You should be aware that large organizations have established written procedures to follow in case
of accidents. Bulletins outlining these procedures should be posted where you and employees
have access to them. You should be aware of these procedures and follow them in detail when
necessary.

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Procedures will vary from one organization to another regarding first-aid services. It is important
that you find out how you are expected to deal with emergency situations at your organization.

An emergency - is a potentially life threatening situation, usually occurring suddenly and

unexpectedly. Emergencies may be the result of natural and/or human causes.

Workplace emergencies often require a medical response. The immediate response is usually first
aid. First aid consists of life saving measures taken to assist an injured person until medical help
arrives. Part of preparing for emergencies should be preparing employees to administer first aid.
This means providing first aid training.

The supervisors/managers, team leaders and designated Occupational Health and Safety Officers
are some persons who are given specific duties to deal with emergencies and accidents such as
fires, bomb scares/threats, explosions, toxic emissions, train derailments, occupational violence,
floods, earthquake, hurricane, tornadoes lightening, volcanic eruptions and chemical spills.

You must:
• Understand the general rules and procedures when dealing with hazards and
emergencies such as illnesses, accidents, fire and evacuation.
• Understand the procedures used by your organization in case of an emergency and
reporting of the emergency.
• Be able to identify the main types of fire equipment, for example, alarms, extinguishers
• Follow the general rules that deal with emergencies.
• Comply with fire legislation.
Preparing for emergencies involves the following:
• Planning, practicing, evaluating and adjusting.
• An immediate response which is critical in emergencies.
• Ensuring that for proper coordination of internal emergency response there be one
person in charge and that everyone involved knows who that person is.
• Preparing for emergencies that should also enable you to prepare employees to
administer first aid.
• Having well-stocked first aid kits readily available.
• Having personal protective devices available.
• Post- emergency telephone numbers.
• Keeping all employees informed.

A company’s emergency action plan should have the following component:

• Procedures, coordination, assignments/responsibilities, accident prevention strategies, and
schedules

HEALTH AND SAFETY (OHS) MANAGEMENT

Each worker in the organization should see it important to make contributions to participative
arrangements for Occupational Health and Safety issues. However, this should be made
within organizational procedures and policies, and within the scope of responsibilities and
competencies. For example:
• Workers should not smoke, drink or eat when operating any equipment
• Keep a copy of the operating manual with machine and follow the instructions given for
regular cleaning.
• Do not remove machine before disconnecting it.
• Observe safety signs and follow instructions.

Contributions may include:

• Exhibiting behaviour that contributes to safe working environment.
• Identifying and reporting risks or hazards.
• Using business equipment according to guidelines.
• Listening to the ideas and opinion of others in the team.
• Sharing opinions, views, knowledge and skills.
• Cooperate with employer in promoting and maintaining health and safety.

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