The Safety Of Your Workplace

To some people, the word “housekeeping” calls to mind cleaning floors and surfaces, removing dust, and organizing clutter.

But in a work setting, it means much more. Housekeeping is crucial to safe workplaces. It can help prevent injuries and improve productivity and morale, as well as make a good first impression on visitors, according to Cari Gray, safety consultant for the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. It also can help an employer avoid potential fines for non-compliance.

The practice extends from traditional offices to industrial workplaces, including factories, warehouses and manufacturing plants that present special challenges such as hazardous materials, combustible dust and other flammables. Experts agree that all workplace safety programs should incorporate housekeeping, and every worker should play a part. In addition, housekeeping should have management’s commitment so workers realize its importance. Here are some tips for effective workplace housekeeping.

-Prevent slips, trips and falls
Slips, trips and falls were the second leading cause of nonfatal occupational injuries or illnesses involving days away from work in 2013, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

OSHA’s Walking-Working Surfaces Standard (1910.22(a)) states that all workplaces should be “kept clean and orderly and in a sanitary condition.” The rule includes passageways, storerooms and service rooms. Floors should be clean and dry. Drainage should be present where “wet processes are used.”

-Avoid tracking materials
Work-area mats – which can be cloth or sticky-topped – should be kept clean and maintained. This helps prevent the spread of hazardous materials to other work areas or home. Check all mats to ensure they are not tripping hazards.

Additionally, separate cleaning protocols may be needed for different areas to prevent cross-contamination. Avoid using the same mop to clean both an oily spill and in another area, for example.

Let First 2 Aid come out and evaluate the safety of your workplace today.

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Introducing First Aid and CPR Training To Your Workplace

Getting employees trained in giving CPR will ensure a safer workplace environment. Not only at offices, giving CPR training should be made mandatory even in gyms, schools, hospitality sectors and other establishments. Getting employees and others associated with an establishment or organization trained and skilled in giving first aid and CPR, is the first step employers should take for ensuring the safety and security of their employees and those associated with them.

Lack of awareness and training will cost a life, especially, when someone in your workplace gets a sudden cardiac arrest. If no one knows how to revive or at least buy sometime, till professionals arrive at the scene, then the person will surely succumb. Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in the US, amongst adults. The majority die before reaching the hospital because of lack of quick administration of CPR and related first aid techniques.

What is more important for you? Your business or the people behind the success of your business? Unless and until you don’t maintain a safe, secured and healthy workplace environment, you will not be able to grow your business. It is a fact, but a hard-hitting one.

Participating in CPR and first aid training programs in your workplace will help in the process of team building. To know how to respond to an emergency, like, sudden cardiac arrest at your workplace is important. Through these training programs, each and every member of a company or organization will become capable of making use of the skills during a medical crisis. It is important to know how to prepare for an emergency and how revive a victim of cardiac arrest.

If you’re considering introducing first aid and CPR training to your workplace, contact us on how to do so.

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Healthy People = Better Business

Healthy People = Better Business

Here are the facts: Healthier people work harder, are happier, help others and are more efficient. Unhealthy workers are generally sluggish, overtired and unhappy, as the work is a symptom of their way of life.

According to Corporate Wellness Magazine, every $1 invested in employee wellness programs yields roughly $4 in savings through reduced sick days, higher productivity and decreased overall health costs.

So how do you install a wellness program that‘s efficient, smart, scalable and goal-oriented?  We have a five-step process to create this type of culture change — and the steps are simple enough for you to start taking right away, too:

1. Determine the needs of employer AND employee.
2. Analyze the data and create a plan.
3. Create a communication plan.
4. Put an incentive plan in place.
5. Call First 2 Aid out to your place of business and let us help you begin this process.

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Workplace Safety

Always Use Machines and Tools Properly
Anytime staff members are working with tools and equipment, it's vital they use them properly and never take shortcuts. Shortcuts are one of the primary causes of injuries on the jobsite. For instance, employees shouldn't use a scaffold as a ladder or one tool instead of another for a job. Using the right tools every time will reduce the overall likelihood of injuries. You can also host continuing education courses as reminders about the importance of safety.

Protect Your Back By Using the Correct Posture
Whether the work environment is an office or at an energy production plant, it's important employees protect their back and use correct posture. Using correct posture means picking things up with the correct form and avoiding twisting and stooping. If at all possible, the work area should be furnished with safety equipment and ergonomically designed furniture.

Report Dangerous Conditions to Management
Anytime hazards exist or there are unsafe working conditions, management should be alerted immediately. Although management is responsible for maintaining a safe work environment, it becomes infinitely more difficult to achieve this goal if they are unaware of the danger. Safety is everyone's responsibility, and non-management staff must report unsafe conditions to management for a solution.

Ensure All Workers Wear the Proper Safety Equipment
Failing to wear the right personal protective equipment (PPE) equipment for the job is one of the most common culprits for serious injuries and fatalities. The type of PPE should change based on the task and industry. For instance, someone working in the space and defense industry would require different PPE than someone in field services.

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Annual Checkups

Not too long ago, people only sought out medical help when they were sick or dying. “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it” was their prevailing medical strategy. But more recently, the annual exam or physical has become commonplace for people who are hoping to head off problems before it’s too late.

The annual physical or preventive exam used to be called a “checkup.” That was for good reason, as your doctor will check key indicators of your general health, such as blood pressure, heart rate, weight, lymph nodes, lungs and more.

Your physician will review your complete physical history and recommend screenings and immunizations appropriate to your age, your health history, your current medical condition, and your family’s medical history. The preventive exam appointment is a time to review your health habits and discuss changes to your diet and exercise routine that will help you achieve optimum long-term health.

Like any time you have a doctor’s appointment, it’s important that you take your current medications in their original containers to your annual physical. Include herbal supplements and any other over-the-counter products so that your physician can get a complete picture of everything you’re taking. He or she may have important information for you regarding side effects and drug interactions and reactions.

Have First 2 Aid come out with their mobile medical service for your job site!

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The Benefits Of Making First Aid Training a Requirement

Most large organizations provide health and safety training, but first aid and CPR is often overlooked.

There are many benefits of making first aid training a requirement in the workplace.

PRACTICAL BENEFITS
First aid and CPR training also has practical benefits, including:
All employees become more safety aware, helping bring down the number of accidents. First aid and CPR saves lives, particularly where there are grave injuries and it is critical that immediate action is taken. Training gives critical knowledge and confidence to effectively manage an emergency without fear or confusion.

First aid trainees know exactly what’s in their first aid kits, how to use the contents, and the various ways to react in an emergency. In a beneficial way, it makes each employee an unofficial health and safety risk manager.

Trainees learn how to perform CPR, use an automated external defibrillator (optional), bandage injuries, and control blood flow – critical skills for emergencies anywhere, not just the workplace. Investing in training also invests in our society.

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CPR Training Should Be Made Mandatory

Lack of awareness and training will cost a life, especially, when someone in your workplace gets a sudden cardiac arrest. If no one knows how to revive or at least buy sometime, till professionals arrive at the scene, then the person will surely succumb. Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in the US, amongst adults. Majority, die before reaching the hospital because of lack of quick administration of CPR and related first aid techniques.

Getting employees trained in giving CPR will ensure a safer workplace environment. Not only at offices, giving CPR training should be made mandatory even in gyms, schools, hospitality sectors and other establishments. Getting employees and others associated with an establishment or organization trained and skilled in giving first aid and CPR, is the first step employers should take for ensuring the safety and security of their employees and those associated with them.

Workplace CPR training programs usually consist of skill practice, demonstration, exercises done on the basis of real scenarios, Q&As, class discussions, hands-on practical, which are supported by numerous materials, training equipment and more.

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Violence and Terrorism In The Workplace

Millions of workers face violence in the workplace every year, it is the 2nd leading cause of occupational injury.  Workplace Violence incidents can range from physical assaults to robbery or homicide.  And with 1 out of every 5 occupational fatalities occurring as a result of violence in the workplace, it is a big concern for OSHA, as well as employers and employees everywhere.

Under federal law, regulated by OSHA, employers have an obligation to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards.  Workplace violence certainly falls into this category, and the goal of this course is to provide awareness of violence in the workplace, recognizing the warning signs, taking action to mitigate dangerous situations, and developing skills for the prevention and response to violent situations at work. This course has been developed from the OSHA standard 29 CFR 1904.8.

Let First 2 Aid come out and train your place of employment on violence in the workplace and terrorism in the workplace.

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OSHA Compliance

First 2 Aid has a team of consultants who visit worksites and conduct safety audits. But no matter where each team member is, chances are good that he or she will spot one or more common safety hazards.

It shouldn’t be a surprise that First 2 Aid frequently spot hazards associated with working at height. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that falls to a lower level accounted for 14 percent of all fatalities in 2014, and OSHA standards related to scaffolding and ladders are regularly among the most frequently cited violations.

Clutter blocking fire exits, aisles and emergency exits is a housekeeping problem that we see often.

Blocked breakers aren’t the only electrical hazard First 2 Aid consultants frequently see. Many electrical hazards spotted are related to inappropriate use of extension cords.

Proper lockout/tagout procedures can help prevent serious injuries, but only if those procedures are followed.

Chemicals can be expensive, and workers in some industries may never know when they’ll need to use a certain chemical again in the future. OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard requires facilities to keep an inventory of all products. Mark down the chemical’s expiration date, and use the chemical by that date or dispose of it properly. This is more than just a safety issue, Harrington said – stockpiling a huge cache of unwanted chemicals can be illegal. It also can be very expensive to dispose of large quantities of expired chemicals.

Have First 2 Aid come out and check on your compliance with OSHA today!

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Utilize Your Workplace To Benefit Your Health

Recent studies have indicated that sitting for long periods of time does not have a positive impact on your health. However, with most job functions requiring some simple tips to help you utilize your place of work as a benefit to your health.

1. Turn your office space into a mini workout zone
Taking advantage of your office space is a smart way to increase activity during the day. A recent Fitbie article outlined office friendly exercises to perform at your desk. The routines are simple yet impactful. The best part: You wouldn’t need more than 10 minutes!

2. Make sweat social
Encouragement among peers is one of the best ways to get moving. First 2 Aid will work with employers to implement engaging healthy programs so that employees have the ability to motivate each other and improve their overall wellbeing. Grab a work friend for a quick walk, partake in the office friendly exercises, or to take the stairs with you at anytime! It will certainly make the “time” fly by.

3. Take a walk
In a study found through the Wiley Online Library, research demonstrated that lunchtime walks can drastically improve your workday. Not only does the activity contribute to an increase in productivity, mental relaxation and overall enthusiasm but it also counts as a way to get moving. Go ahead and treat yourself to a little break.

4. Stairs are not the enemy
If you can manage and have the access, try to take the stairs as often as possible at your workplace. This activity will keep your blood flowing and contribute positively towards your mental acuity. Simply taking the stairs multiple times throughout the day could easily be equivalent to using the step mill machine at the gym.

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With First Aid Training, Employees Become Safety Aware

No matter what the nature and size of your business is, you must provide first aid and CPR training to your employees. There are many benefits of providing CPR and first aid certification to your staff. The major ones include:

First aid helps save lives. If immediate action is taken, one can help prevent the symptoms from getting worse and the pain and suffering of the victim can also be controlled. Studies reveal that CPR if provided on time can triple the chances of survival of the heart attack victim.

First aid training by First 2 Aid provides correct knowledge to the trainees for handling emergency situations. They learn how to react in an emergency situation without feeling nervous or afraid. Trained employees are able to take better control over emergency situations, such as sprains, fractures, eye burns, bee stings, chemical injuries, cuts, abrasions, and other workplace injuries. By virtue of acting in the correct and efficient manner, first aid and CPR trained employees are able to save the precious life of their co-workers.

During the first aid training, trainees are taught how to give injections, how to apply bandage, how to control blood flow, and how to use other contents of a first aid kit. This allows them to offer some relief to the victim till the time medical help arrives at the site of accident.

With first aid training, employees become safety aware. They learn about the potential dangers and how to avoid them. This helps bring down the number of workplace accidents.

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Employee Physicals

Annual physicals aren't just for those individuals who are already sick or who are at an elevated risk for becoming sick. Here are four reasons annual physicals are important - even if you're healthy.

1. They Can Help You Prevent Various Medical Conditions

Annual physicals aren't necessarily meant to treat health conditions you already have. Rather, they are designed to help you prevent various medical conditions from developing in the first place. When you have First 2 Aid visit your workplace for your annual physical, you will discuss your current health situation and habits. The doctor will then make any recommendations needed to make sure you maintain your excellent health.

2. They Allow Your Doctor to Catch Your Condition Early

If your body does begin to develop a certain disease, illness or condition, the sooner you find out about it, the better. This is because most conditions are easier to cure the sooner they are diagnosed. By getting a physical from First 2 Aid, you increase the chances that your developing conditions will be caught and treated quickly.

3. They Remind You to Make Your Health a Priority

For many people, their healthy lifestyle often becomes neglected as the pressures of real life get in the way. Thankfully, a yearly physical is a good reminder to change this. When you look at the calendar and see that you will be visiting your doctor soon, you are much more likely to make healthy choices that will give you a positive checkup.

4. They Can Save You Time and Money

Treating serious health conditions can be costly and time consuming. By seeking routine preventative care, you may be able to avoid these costly expenses altogether.

Maintaining excellent health doesn't just involve treating illnesses, diseases and conditions as you acquire them. It also means preventing these conditions from occurring in the first place. First 2 Aid can come out to your job for your annual physical. Call to set up your next appointment today!

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Tips On Employee Wellness

Mind Renewal- every 90 to 120 minutes of work, get up from your desk and take a break from your work. this simple positive interruption, even just for a few minutes, will help you refocus and refuel your mind.

C Boost- The next time that you find yourself stressed out at work...relax with an orange. reason: research has shown that vitamin c can actually help to lower the production of stress hormones, which just may make your workday a little easier to handle.

Uncross for better posture- the act of crossing your legs, while sitting at your desk can lead to poor posture and lower back stress. aim to keep both feet flat on floor for a healthier spine. even better? use a motion char like swopper to engage your core, improve circulation and focus.

Protect Against Germs- did you know that when people sneeze, their germs may be spread up to 8 feet? what makes this scary is that even if you steer clear of direct contact with a person that has a cold...when this person sneezes-your clothes can catch and carry the germs and sooner or later, you too maybe feeling under the weather. So, be sure to wash all articles of clothes next time someone in your office sneezes.

Avoid Multitasking- studies have shown that switching back and forth between tasks can decrease your rate of productivity by up to 40%. you're more likely to make errors and introduce stress at a higher rate when multitasking.

Have First 2 Aid come out to your job site and explain how they can improve the over wellness of your job.

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Understanding OSHA Requirements

Establishing a safe and healthful working environment requires every employer -- large and small -- and every worker to make safety and health a top priority. The entire work force -- from the CEO to the most recent hire -- must recognize that worker safety and health is central to the mission and key to the profitability of the American company.

First 2 Aid's job is to provide leadership and encouragement to workers and employers to take that responsibility seriously by helping understand OSHA's requirements. We continue to help employers and employees focus on reducing injuries, illnesses, and fatalities and to increase their commitment to improved safety and health.

First 2 Aid can help small businesses and others through a variety of tools, including partnership, consultation, compliance assistance, education and training, outreach, and plain language regulations that will meet OSHA requirements.

Safety is good business. An effective safety and health program can save $4 to $6 for every $1 invested. It's the right thing to do, and doing it right pays off in lower costs, increased productivity, and higher employee morale.

As an employer, you have a duty to protect your workers from injury and illness on the job. Protecting workers also makes good business sense. Accidents and injuries are more expensive than many realize. Costs mount up quickly. But substantial savings in workers' compensation and lost workdays are possible when injuries and illnesses decline. First 2 Aid can come out and train your employees by informing them of OSHA requirements with a 10-hour or 30-hour training.

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AED/CPR Training

Sudden cardiac arrest happens to over 250,000 people a year. Every 33 seconds in the United States, someone dies due to a heart-related incident. The survival rate can be as high as 60 percent in ideal circumstances, the most important of which is quick defibrillation. In order for the patient to have the best chance of survival during an outside of hospital cardiac arrest, someone must call for emergency medical assistance (911 in North America), perform CPR - which is an acronym for Cardio (heart), Pulmonary (lung) and Resuscitation (meaning to revive or revitalize) - and use an AED, before receiving pre-hospital advanced care.

Here are the general steps of using an AED but this does NOT mean you are certified. Contact us to come out to your place of employment to get you and your staff CPR and AED certified today!

1. Look around your immediate area for an AED (Automated External Defibrillator).
2. If you cannot locate an AED, proceed with CPR. You should instruct bystanders to call emergency services and search for an AED. Staff members in public places such as railway stations or airports will be able to provide instructions and alert any emergency response units or first aid teams that may be present to assist with CPR and Defibrillation.
3. Turn on the AED unit. Depending on the model of the AED you may have to pull a handle or push the on button.
4. Remove all clothing from the chest, abdomen, and arms (male or female)
5. Peel the pads off and place them exactly as instructed. Accuracy is more important than speed when placing pads.
6. Usually the AED will start to immediately analyze the patient's heart rhythm. If it does not, you might have to push the analyze button. Do not touch the patient during this or any other part of the defibrillation process.
7. If the AED has a shock advised prompt, push the button. When you shock, make sure no one is touching the patient. Also, the patient must not be touching metal and there must not be large amounts of water on the chest (sweat is okay). The patient must not be wearing a nitro patch. If the patient has a pacemaker, try not to place the pads directly on the unit.

The AED will shock up to 3 times. Usually one shock is needed. Newer AEDs following recent guidelines will shock only once on the highest energy setting, after which they should prompt you to immediately perform two minutes of CPR.

Some pulse-less heart rhythms cannot be treated by defibrillation. If the AED does not advise a shock, check the pulse, and if there is none, continue CPR.

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Employee Physicals

You might wonder if a yearly checkup is really necessary, particularly if you are healthy. While some doctors may not recommend an annual physical, most still feel it is a good idea to have a physician check your health status on a regular basis. The specific tests and examinations necessary differ as you age and are sometimes based on your family history. Getting an annual physical has many benefits for monitoring your health.

Seeing a doctor each year to get a basic rundown of your vital statistics is a good way to stay on top of your numbers. If things change, the doctor will know in a timely manner, which increases the chance that treatment will be successful. Your weight, height, blood pressure and cholesterol are common items that your doctor measures at checkups. If s/he sees a sudden rise in your blood pressure, for example, s/he can do further tests to determine the cause and start treatment right away before the condition worsens.

First 2 Aid has a mobile medical service that can come to your place of employment. They have the unique ability to provide on location physicals and immunizations to your entire staff through our partnered Doctors, Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners.

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Every Workplace Should Have a Safety Plan

Falls, lifting injuries, and fires are dangerous and common in the workplace, but that's just the beginning. There are many possible safety issues that can occur at your office or factory. Sometimes the best workplace safety arises out of simple good planning and smart thinking.

Every single workplace should have a safety committee and safety plan in place. If you don't have safety committees at your workplace, then propose one. If you work at home, you are the safety committee. Working at home or for a very small business isn't a reason to get out of safety planning.

If you don't have a safety plan in place yet, follow these steps when you recognize a workplace safety issue:

1. Make sure that everyone else in your workplace is aware of the problem.
2. Notify your supervisor.
3. File any reports or documents about the problem.
4. Follow up. Telling someone there's a problem is not a guarantee that the problem will be resolved satisfactorily. Report it and later follow up to make sure the problem was addressed.

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Factors That Can Increase Wokplace Violence

Workplace violence causes a significant number of deaths and injuries in Florida and throughout the country. Workplace violence can include physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior at the work site.

Some factors can increase the risk of workplace violence, including:
-Exchanging money with the public.
-Working with volatile or unstable people.
-Working alone or in isolated areas.
-Providing services and care.
-Working where alcohol is served.
-Working late at night or in areas with high crime rates.

In addition, some workers such as delivery drivers, healthcare professionals, public service workers, customer service agents, and law enforcement personnel, have a higher risk than others of experiencing workplace violence.

For some employers, there are specific rules regarding workplace violence prevention, including those in the healthcare industry or employers who operate late night retail establishments.

But all employers must develop an Accident Prevention Program, which includes evaluating hazards at work. When a hazard evaluation indicates employees are at risk for violence in the workplace, your Accident Prevention Program must include a plan that outlines measures to reduce this risk, such as training workers on de-escalation techniques, installing adequate lighting in parking lots, and providing drop safes.

Let us come out and present our 4 hour and an 8 hour terrorism in the workplace course. The 8 hour includes a four hour first aid course with Trauma Care for the Lay Rescuer.

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Creating a Healthy Workforce

Corporate wellness programs can help employers manage health care costs and improve productivity by creating a healthier workforce. Employees can gain access to tools and resources to improve their health and reduce their risk of developing chronic conditions.

Fifty-six percent of large employers with wellness programs offer employees financial incentives, and 23 percent link these incentives to health outcomes, according to a 2014 national survey of employer-based health plans by the benefits consultant Mercer.

Employers are also expanding their corporate wellness programs, spending an average of $693 per employee on incentives in 2015, up from $595 in 2014 and $430 five years ago, according to a survey by Fidelity Investments and the National Business Group on Health, a nonprofit based in the District of Columbia.

The survey found that more employers are using incentives – cash, gift cards, reduced health care premiums or a contribution to a health care account – to encourage employees to participate in biometric screenings, health risk assessments and physical activity programs. Fewer employers are using employee disincentives for not participating.

Have First 2 Aid come out to your business and evaulate your needs of a company-wide wellness program today!

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Workplace Violence

What is workplace violence?

Workplace violence is any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site. It ranges from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and even homicide. It can affect and involve employees, clients, customers and visitors. Homicide is currently the fourth-leading cause of fatal occupational injuries in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI), of the 4,679 fatal workplace injuries that occurred in the United States in 2014, 403 were workplace homicides. However it manifests itself, workplace violence is a major concern for employers and employees nationwide.

Who is at risk of workplace violence?

Nearly 2 million American workers report having been victims of workplace violence each year. Unfortunately, many more cases go unreported. Research has identified factors that may increase the risk of violence for some workers at certain worksites. Such factors include exchanging money with the public and working with volatile, unstable people. Working alone or in isolated areas may also contribute to the potential for violence. Providing services and care, and working where alcohol is served may also impact the likelihood of violence. Additionally, time of day and location of work, such as working late at night or in areas with high crime rates, are also risk factors that should be considered when addressing issues of workplace violence. Among those with higher-risk are workers who exchange money with the public, delivery drivers, healthcare professionals, public service workers, customer service agents, law enforcement personnel, and those who work alone or in small groups.

How can workplace violence hazards be reduced?

In most workplaces where risk factors can be identified, the risk of assault can be prevented or minimized if employers take appropriate precautions. One of the best protections employers can offer their workers is to establish a zero-tolerance policy toward workplace violence. This policy should cover all workers, patients, clients, visitors, contractors, and anyone else who may come in contact with company personnel.

By assessing their worksites, employers can identify methods for reducing the likelihood of incidents occurring. First 2 Aid believes that a well-written and implemented workplace violence prevention program, combined with engineering controls, administrative controls and training can reduce the incidence of workplace violence in both the private sector and federal workplaces.

This can be a separate workplace violence prevention program or can be incorporated into an injury and illness prevention program, employee handbook, or manual of standard operating procedures. It is critical to ensure that all workers know the policy and understand that all claims of workplace violence will be investigated and remedied promptly. In addition, First 2 Aid encourages employers to develop additional methods as necessary to protect employees in high risk industries.

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Workplace Safety Tips Every Employee Should Know

Workplace safety cannot exist on best practice guidelines and policies alone. A safe working environment is based on how well the people, in both management and on the factory floor, adhere to -- and communicate about -- safety standards.

The foundation of any successful workplace safety effort is one that encourages employees to identify unsafe behaviors and opportunities for improvement while also making well-informed safety decisions during daily routine tasks.

1. Be Aware Of Your Surroundings

This step requires knowing the particular hazards of your job or workplace. Once you’ve learned these risks, you are able to keep clear of potential hazardous areas, and potential hazardous situations. Also, always be alert of machinery.

2. Keep Correct Posture To Protect Your Back

If you work at a desk, keep your shoulders in line with your hips to avoid back problems. If you’re picking things up, use correct form so your back doesn’t get hurt. Avoid stooping and twisting. If possible, always use ergonomic designed furniture and safety equipment so everything you need is within easy reach.

3. Take Regular Breaks

So many work-related injuries and illnesses occur because a worker is tired, burned out and not alert to their surroundings. Taking regular breaks helps you stay fresh on the job. One trick to staying alert is to schedule the most difficult tasks when your concentration is best, like first thing in the morning.

Let First 2 Aid visit your job site today and evaluate how to keep your employees and you safe.

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Is It Time For Your Annual Exam?

How long has it been since you've had a physical? If you're like many people, you may not even remember the last time you had one. Although you may have visited the doctor when you had the flu or a sinus infection, those visits don't take the place of a comprehensive annual physical.

Ever ignored a strange noise under the hood of your car and hoped that it would magically disappear? Unfortunately, ignoring those noises often leads to a large bill at your local car repair shop when the problem not only doesn't go away, but gets worse. Ignoring small health problems can be just as devastating. Sometimes symptoms are so mild that you may not realize that they're a problem. Have First 2 Aid come out to your place of employment and conduct your annual physical.

During an annual physical, your doctor reviews your medical history and evaluates your entire body. Annual physicals usually focus on:

The basics: Weight and blood pressure readings are important part of every annual examination. High blood pressure is a common health problem, yet it can be symptom-less. It's not unusual to find out you have high blood pressure during an annual physical.

Abdomen: Problems with your organs can discovered with an abdominal examination. By pressing or tapping on your abdomen, your doctor can note tender areas, estimate the size of your liver and detect fluid build up.

Heart and lungs: Your doctor listens to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope and looks for signs of problems, such as an irregular heart beat or wheezing or decreased breath sounds, which can be signs of asthma, COPD, or other respiratory diseases.

Your skin: An examination of your skin or nails can also reveal health problems that have nothing to do with your skin or nails. For example, yellow skin can be a sign of liver disease, while dark creases in your skin can occur if you have Addison's disease, a disease that affects the adrenal system.

Blood tests: Although your doctor can spot many health issues during an annual physical, some problems can only be detected with blood tests. Blood tests can detect diabetes, kidney disease and high cholesterol levels. They're also used to determine the levels of crucial minerals in your body, such as iron and calcium, and provide important information about your red blood cell count.

Is it time for your annual exam? Call First 2 Aid today. Protect your health with an annual physical!

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The Importance of CPR Training and AED Training

The simplest answer anyone can give to explain why CPR training for the workplace is important is the fact that it saves lives. When someone in the workplace suddenly goes into cardiac arrest and there is no one around who knows how to perform CPR or use an AED (automated external defibrillator), then that person’s chances of survival decreases significantly. There is also the increased chance of significant damage being done to the person’s heart, brain, and other vital organs should they survive the ordeal.

However, if there is someone around who knows CPR and how to operate an AED when an employee goes into cardiac arrest or stops breathing, then they have a chance of not only saving that person’s life, but they could also significantly reduce the risk of that person suffering damage to their heart, brain, and other vital organs since CPR helps keep the body oxygenated until professional help arrives. If the body is kept oxygenated until the paramedics arrive, then the victim is much less likely to suffer brain damage, heart damage, vital organ damage, or death. We may be sounding redundant, but the importance of CPR training, AED training, and first aid training cannot be stated strongly enough!

The leading cause of death among adults over 40 years old in the United States is sudden cardiac arrest, or SCA. Most people know this as a heart attack, and in the United States alone almost 360 thousand people a year experience EMS-assessed SCA outside of a hospital. Sadly, 9 out of every 10 of these people end up dying because help could not get there quick enough. That’s almost a thousand people a day dying from heart attacks suffered while outside of the hospital.

If you are an employee of a company and you feel you could use CPR training even though it is not required for you, you can still check to see what CPR, AED, and first aid training classes are available. Knowing CPR won’t just benefit you in the workplace, but it will also benefit you at home and out in public. The difference between knowing CPR and not knowing CPR could be life or death for a close friend or loved one. Also remember that simply knowing CPR will give you a better sense of calm in dire situations and will allow you to make wiser and more thought out decisions when they are most important. When someone’s life is hanging in the balance, you will want all the confidence you can get.

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