Should You Provide Burn First Aid in Your Business?

4/30/2021 (Permalink)

First aid kit

Owning a business in Gilberts, IL comes with a bunch of requirements. One that sometimes is overlooked is OSHA’s rule that all employers are “required to provide medical and first aid personnel and supplies commensurate with the hazards of the workplace.” This includes being ready to treat burns from fire damage.

What’s Required To Be Inside a First Aid Kit?

While each kit may need to be customized for your type of business, there are some basic items that are required everywhere. There are three critical types of aid that may be required:

• Wound care
  
• Eye care
  
• Burn care
  
  

There are 2 different general classes of pre-made aid kits. A class A kit is designed for common workplaces without unusual hazards, such as an office, warehouse or restaurant. A class B kit is for businesses with more dangerous activities, such as manufacturing, metalworking or welding.
As the risks increase, OSHA will require more items. Your local fire restoration experts can help you figure out which aid kit is right for you as well as prepare your business to avoid and survive disasters.

When Should You Treat Burn Injuries?
Fire damage is one of the leading causes of injuries and insurance claims in the U.S. Every business should be ready to deal with common burn injuries. However, you should only treat light burns. Serious burns require immediate medical attention, so call 911 without delay.
A heavy burn will have these characteristics:

• Leathery and dry skin.
  
• Skin may appear white, brown or black.
  
• The burn is larger than 3 square inches.
  
  

A light burn, however, will appear quite different:

• Superficial damage
  
• Red skin
  
• Small blisters
  
• Smaller than 3 square inches
  
  

How Should You Treat Light Burn Injuries?
Run the area under cold water or apply a sterile, wet bandage. Also apply soothing lotion, such as aloe vera or an antibiotic gel. You should then bandage it lightly.
A light burn injury can be dealt with pretty easily. Deep or widespread burns are a different story. If you know the difference, you’ll be prepared when fire damage strikes your company.