Jobsite First Aid Responders

When someone is badly hurt, the first few minutes matter most. OSHA requires employers to arrange for medical help and, where no clinic or hospital is nearby, to have people trained in first aid on site. A good plan names responders before an injury happens.

• Employers
• Foremen
• Crew Members

What the rules require

• In construction, 1926.50 requires prompt medical attention and that the employer arrange for it. Where an infirmary, clinic or hospital is not in near proximity (OSHA interpretations often say about 3 to 4 minutes for life-threatening injuries such as cardiac arrest, bleeding or electrocution, and 15 minutes for others), a person with a valid first aid and CPR certificate must be available on site.
• General industry has a similar rule (1910.151). See First Aid vs. Medical Treatment.
• First aid supplies must be adequate, easily accessible and inspected. See First Aid Kit Contents.
• Responders who might be exposed to blood must be covered by a bloodborne pathogens program. See Bloodborne Pathogens.

Choosing responders

• Trained in first aid, CPR and AED use from a recognized provider, and recertified before expiry
• Available across shifts, with backups for absences and different work areas
• Known to the crew: post names, photos and radio channels
• Willing and physically able, and supported by the employer
• Enough responders for the size of the site and distances

Preparing

• Keep first aid kits in trailers, vehicles and work areas, with eyewash and AED if appropriate. See Jobsite AED Programs.
• Write an emergency plan with addresses, directions for ambulances and the route to the hospital. See Emergency Action Plans.
• Run drills for bleeding, burns, falls, electrical shock and cardiac arrest.
• Keep a log of treatment and supplies used; protect worker medical privacy.

During an emergency

1. Make the scene safe. Call 911 for serious injuries.
2. Treat life threats first: bleeding, breathing and circulation. See First Aid Basics and CPR & AED.
3. Send someone to meet EMS at the gate and guide them in.
4. Report the event as required and preserve the scene if it is serious. See Scene Preservation.

Last updated: October 8, 2026