Learning Objective:
At the end of this INFORMATION SHEET, the students/trainees must be able to:
Discuss the Workers’ Rights according Department of Labor and Employment standards.
Many injuries occur far from hospitals and emergency medical facilities. Moreover, most employers do not have the training or capability to treat these injuries. Because treatment facilities are not typically located within a reasonable distance or timeframe, employers should:
Develop an emergency action plan that addresses all likely hazards.
Designate an emergency staging area for the field or the office.
Train operators on how to respond to emergency situations.
Ensure that each operator has a first-aid kit and a working fire extinguisher.
Assemble a first-aid kit that is designed to address injuries and incidents. First-aid kits should contain basic medical items such as gauze, splints, ice packs, surgical tape, disposable gloves, eye patches, burn dressings and a first-aid instruction booklet.
Call local first responders or 911 in case of an emergency. When reporting an emergency, provide your name, location, the nature of the emergency and where the worker(s) can be reached.
Maintain frequent communication with operators who work alone or in remote areas.
Source: https://www.dreamstime.com/illustration/emergency-preparedness.html
Photo source: Google image
Workers have the right to:
Working conditions that do not pose a risk of serious harm.
Receive information and training (in a language and vocabulary the worker understands) about workplace.
Hazards, methods to prevent them, and the OSHA standards that apply to their workplace.
Review records of work-related injuries and illnesses.
File a complaint asking OSHA to inspect their workplace if they believe there is a serious hazard or that their employer is not following OSHA’s rules. OSHA will keep all identities confidential.
Exercise their rights under the law without retaliation, including reporting an injury or rising health and safety concerns with their employer or OSHA. If a worker has been retaliated against for using their rights, they must file a complaint with OSHA as soon as possible, but no later than 30 days.