OSHA’s new “Best Practices Guide: Fundamentals of a Workplace First-Aid Program” is designed to help employers and employees develop workplace first-aid programs.

Issued last week, the new guide identifies four essential elements for first-aid programs to be effective and successful: management leadership and employee involvement; worksite analysis; hazard prevention and control; and safety and health training.

"Workplace first-aid program is a key component of any comprehensive safety and health management system," said OSHA Administrator Ed Foulke. "Our new guide offers practical information on how to help employers plan and implement first-aid programs as well as effective training."

The OSHA guide details the primary components of a first-aid program at the workplace, including:

• Identifying and assessing workplace risks;
• Designing a program that is specific to the worksite and complies with OSHA first-aid requirements;
• Instructing all workers about the program, including what to do if a coworker is injured or ill. Policies and program should be in writing;
• Evaluating and modifying the program to keep it current, including regular assessment of the first-aid training course.

The guide also includes best practices for planning and conducting safe and effective first-aid training.