First aid

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Outdoor workers are unique in that they regularly share their workspaces with wasps, bees, hornets and other stinging insects. It’s important for workers to know how to respond to and treat stings, especially because some people may be allergic.

If you suspect a co-worker has a broken bone, refrain from moving the person to avoid further injury.

“When most people think of a seizure, they think of a generalized tonic-clonic seizure, also called a grand mal seizure,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. “In this type of seizure, the person may cry out, fall, shake or jerk, and become unaware of what’s going on around them.”

Puncture wounds can be serious. They often have small openings, but the objects tend to go in deep, which can make the injured worker vulnerable to a blood infection.

A corneal abrasion occurs when a person’s cornea – the clear, domed covering over the eye’s iris and pupil – is scraped or scratched.

If a co-worker is choking, you need to act quickly. If the person is able to cough forcefully, encourage him or her to continue to clear the object.

Are chemicals used in your workplace? Mayo Clinic notes that chemical burns can be caused by a variety of substances, including strong acids, drain cleaners, paint thinners and gasoline.

A choking incident can occur anywhere – including the weekly staff meeting or at someone’s desk. If you saw a co-worker choking, would you be ready to help?

In the event of an emergency, having a properly working eyewash station is crucial. And keeping your eyewash station clean and free of contaminants is part of that.