Did You Know?: Workplace First Aid Kits

WSIB regulation 1101 lists the items that must be included in the first aid boxes in workplaces of different sizes and types. The quantities of any item specified may be increased to suit the needs of a particular workplace. Personal protective equipment (for example a masks and gloves) as specified by your first aid training should also be included in the first aid box. Equipment outside the scope of first aiders, equipment that may deteriorate or that is potentially dangerous (for example medication and ointments) should not be included in the first aid box. The regulations also require that the boxes and their contents be checked regularly, minimum four times per year, to ensure that everything is in good order.

A copy of regulation 1101 can be obtained electronically at:

http://www.wsib.on.ca/wsib/wsibsite.nsf/LookupFiles/DownloadableFileRegulation1101/$File/FAEng.pdf

As an Authorized Training Provider of the Canadian Red Cross, all First Aid Ottawa Standard and Emergency First Aid courses are recognized by WSIB and its Federal counterpart the Canada Labour code. Visit us online at www.FirstAidOttawa.com or at 613-225-2727.

Did You Know?: Car Seats and Booster Seats

Car seats and booster seats are essential for the safety of children and youth and are required by law in Ontario. The best information can be found at the Ontario Ministry of Transportation website. The following information is summarized from their website.

Infants from birth to 9kg (20lb) must in a rear facing seat and away from an active airbag. Toddlers from 9 to 18kg (20 – 40 lb) must be in a forward facing seat and a tether strap must be used to secure the seat. Booster seats are required for children under the age of eight, weighing 18 kg or more but less than 36 kg (40-80 lb.) and who stand less than 145 cm (4 feet-9 inches) tall. Children under 13 years of age are safest in the back seat. Never put two children in the same seatbelt or place the shoulder strap behind the child's back.

As an Authorized Training Provider of the Canadian Red Cross, all First Aid Ottawa Standard and Emergency First Aid courses are recognized by WSIB and its Federal counterpart the Canada Labour code. Visit us online at www.FirstAidOttawa.com or at 613-225-2727.

To Help or Not to Help

Many people say that they do not want to provide first aid to someone in need because they believe that only those trained in first aid can help others. While it is recommended that everyone receive first aid training, if a person’s life is in danger any assistance is better than none. As long as the assistance is offered voluntarily and the first aider is not trying to wilfully hurt the other person Ontario’s Good Samaritan Act is designed to protect the first aider. Even the use of an Automated External Defibrillator is now covered under Ontario’s Good Samaritan Act. So someone with no previous training could take a unit of the wall and use it and they are protected by the law. In fact this simple act has saved many lives.

So what should you do? Ideally find a recognized first aid course and get yourself trained but even if an incident should happen before you get trained go ahead and help. You can save a life.

As an Authorized Training Provider of the Canadian Red Cross, all First Aid Ottawa Standard and Emergency First Aid courses are recognized by WSIB and its Federal counterpart the Canada Labour code. Visit us online at www.FirstAidOttawa.com or at 613-225-2727.

Spring Road Safety

With the arrival of spring and the swift departure of snow, we are seeing more and more activity on our streets as the cyclists, skateboarders and rollerbladers are coming out of their hibernation. As our streets get busier the chances of collisions between vehicles and cyclists and others increase. In addition many streets still have stones and pebbles that can cause additional falls and injuries.

Injury prevention is important. Following the rules of the road for your sport will help keeping everyone safe. Everyone needs to share the road.

Wearing the appropriate gear will keep the cyclists, skateboarders and rollerbladers safe. Although in Ontario only those under 18 are required to wearing helmets they are recommended for all. Skateboarders and rollerbladers should also wear knee, wrist and elbow pads. All it takes is an instant of distraction and an injury can result.

As an Authorized Training Provider of the Canadian Red Cross, all First Aid Ottawa Standard and Emergency First Aid courses are recognized by WSIB and its Federal counterpart the Canada Labour code. Visit us online at www.FirstAidOttawa.com or at 613-225-2727.

Winter Water Safety

Every year at this time we are reminded of the dangers of thin ice on our lakes and rivers. Both vehicles and people fall through ice that only days before could support them. Should you fall through thin remember the following: Remain calm (although this can sometimes be the hardest step), if possible remove heavy clothing that may pull you under, move to the side closest to land and kick your legs while you pull yourself up. If the ice continues to break keep kicking since you are still making progress. Once you are on the ice stay low and crawl off the ice. Remember that hypothermia (the lowering of the body temperature) occurs quicker if you are wet. Seek warmth as soon as possible and do not go back on the ice to retrieve anything.

If you see someone fall through the ice, first call 911 and they try and throw something to them and pull them out of the water. Only go the ice if absolutely necessary and then stay low so your weight is distributed over the ice. Remember that the ice closest to the hole will be fragile. Once the person is out of the water on land they need to re-warmed immediately. Get them inside, into dry clothes and near a heat source quickly.

As an Authorized Training Provider of the Canadian Red Cross, all First Aid Ottawa Standard and Emergency First Aid courses are recognized by WSIB and its Federal counterpart the Canada Labour code. Visit us online at www.FirstAidOttawa.com or at 613-225-2727.

Preventing Poisoning in the Workplace

About one quarter of all workers are exposed to chemical hazards in their workplace. According to WHMIS regulations, employers must: Clearly label hazardous materials; tell employees about risks and precautions; have a detailed Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) available for every hazardous substance in the workplace; and give workers who may be exposed to hazardous materials the proper training in safety measures and emergency procedures.

Employees must check all warning labels, tags and posters in the workplace and follow instructions carefully; read labels and MSDSs to find out the risks of each hazardous material, the safety measures to prevent poisoning; and the first aid for poisoning and never use a product that is in an unidentified bottle.

As an Authorized Training Provider of the Canadian Red Cross, all First Aid Ottawa Standard and Emergency First Aid courses are recognized by WSIB and its Federal counterpart the Canada Labour code. Visit us online at www.FirstAidOttawa.com or at 613-225-2727.-2727.

First Aid Snow Blindness

Snow Blindness is the damage caused to your eyes from looking too long at the snow on a bright day. In Canada we try and enjoy the sunny days during the winter since them seem so few and far between, there is a risk though. We do not need to give up our outdoor activities on sunny days; instead we just need to take simple precautions. Sunglasses are not just for the summer. Everyone, children included, should wear sunglasses. If you ski or snowboard consider getting goggles that included UVA and UVB protection. They should prevent light from shining in from above or below and should block 90% of UV rays and 50% of infrared rays.

Someone who has snow blindness will have redness on the face, swelling of the tissue around the eyes and a pain or burning sensation that may become intense. You will need to place the person in a darker environment and use cool, damp cloths to reduce pain and burning. Remember that the symptoms of snow blindness may not appear for several hours following exposure to bright snowy conditions.

As an Authorized Training Provider of the Canadian Red Cross, all First Aid Ottawa Standard and Emergency First Aid courses are recognized by WSIB and its Federal counterpart the Canada Labour code. Visit us online at www.FirstAidOttawa.com or at 613-225-2727.-2727.

First Aid for Frost Nip and Frost Bite

Frost Nip is a superficial injury caused by freezing of the skin. In the case of frostbite, the tissue underneath the skin freezes as well.

The best way to deal with these injuries is Prevention. Dress for the weather and cover up vulnerable areas such as fingers, toes, cheeks, ears and nose (but not too tightly).

To treat, warm the area gradually using warm water or body heat. Don’t break blisters, protect them with loose dry dressings

Don’t rub the area or put snow on it. Warm the area only if are sure it will not freeze again.

As an Authorized Training Provider of the Canadian Red Cross, all First Aid Ottawa Standard and Emergency First Aid courses are recognized by WSIB and its Federal counterpart the Canada Labour code. Visit us online at www.FirstAidOttawa.com or at 613-225-2727.-2727.

Winter Driving Safety

With winter travel season upon us a review of winter road safety would seem appropriate. If you are planning any travel, either inner or intercity, ensuring your vehicle is properly maintained is always the first step. During the winter your vehicle should be equipped with emergency supplies such as a shovel, salt (or another form of traction), blankets, food rations, flares and/or signal flags and candles (and waterproof matches). If you need to use the candles in the vehicle (they are very effective in keeping a vehicle warm) ensure that your windows are open a crack to ensure enough air flow. If you have a cell phone, ensure it is completely charged before you leave. Also be aware of the emergency numbers in areas that you are travelling. 911 is not available everywhere nor is there cell phone coverage everywhere.

If you are trapped off the road during a snow storm do not leave the vehicle. You can lose your way very easily. Wherever your travels take you drive safely.

As an Authorized Training Provider of the Canadian Red Cross, all First Aid Ottawa Standard and Emergency First Aid courses are recognized by WSIB and its Federal counterpart the Canada Labour code. Visit us online at www.FirstAidOttawa.com or at 613-225-2727.-2727.