Before taking action, be sure it's hazard-free
"No one should approach an injured employee until the hazards are removed," warns Christine Zichello, RN, COHN-S, CSHM, ARM, FAAOHN, a senior risk control specialist for PMA Companies in Mt. Laurel, NJ. "Once it is safe, an assessment of the employee should be completed, starting with checking the airway and responsiveness." If appropriate, emergency measures should be instituted, and 911 called by another employee while you stay with the injured employee.
"Look for live wires, slippery floors, or any other dangers to determine if it is safe to approach the employee," says Donna C. Ferreira, ANP, MS, COHN-S, senior regional manager at Comprehensive Health Services, a Reston, VA-based provider of workforce health and productivity management solutions. She says to do these things:
Provide first aid and urgent care as appropriate.
Provide as much privacy as possible for the employee.
Take control of the area, such as asking crowds to step back and having someone call 911.
Determine whether the employee needs to be transported for more care via ambulance, via a family member, or under their own power, depending on the nature of the injury.
"No one should approach an injured employee until the hazards are removed," warns Christine Zichello, RN, COHN-S, CSHM, ARM, FAAOHN, a senior risk control specialist for PMA Companies in Mt. Laurel, NJ.You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
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