Awareness and First Aid
In South Africa, employee safety is governed by the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act, which holds employers responsible for maintaining a safe working environment. Under the Act, businesses are legally required to implement effective protocols that ensure a swift and organised response in the event of an emergency.
The latest data from the Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (FEM) reported 6,157 accidents in South Africa’s construction industry alone in 2022, 48 of which were fatal and 581 that led to permanent disabilities. While these figures highlight the risks of workplace accidents, many businesses underestimate the medical emergencies that can arise from non-occupational incidents, such as sudden cardiac arrests or strokes, which can be equally life-threatening.
Coleen Daniel, ER24’s Corporate Sales Manager: Workplace Solutions, emphasises that medical emergencies can occur at any time, urging businesses to take the necessary precautions. “The OHS Act requires businesses to conduct regular training and drills, as well as review and update their emergency response plans at least twice a year to ensure employees are equipped to handle emergencies.”
Daniel outlines seven of the most common workplace medical emergencies, and how businesses can prepare for them:
- Slips, trips, and falls
To keep employees safe, businesses must identify high-risk areas and situations to reduce the risk of incidents. For example, staircases must have anti-slip strips, wet floor signs must be used, water leakages must be addressed, and wires and cables must be neatly arranged to help prevent accidents. - Burns
As burns are often industry-specific injuries, employees working with machinery or chemicals should receive specialised training on the safe use of the equipment in question. Workplaces must also stock burn kits for immediate treatment should an injury occur. - Lacerations and abrasions
Depending on the industry, appropriate first aid kits should be readily available, and employees must be trained in wound management to prevent infection. - Fires and explosions
Businesses should conduct regular fire safety inspections, install fire suppression and sprinkler systems, and ensure employees are trained in fire safety protocols. - Chemical spills
Workplaces handling hazardous substances must implement chemical spill protocols, provide personal protective equipment (PPE), and conduct proper disposal training – and execution. - Structural failures
Regular inspections of buildings, stairwells, and ceilings help to prevent collapses and other safety hazards from getting in the way. - Medical emergencies (heart attacks, strokes, seizures, etc.)
First aid teams should be trained in CPR and basic life support techniques, and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) should be available in high-risk environments.
Daniel emphasises that first aid training is more than a compliance requirement – it can be the difference between life and death. “A well-trained first aid team is the first defence in any workplace emergency. With a structured response process in place, ER24 can integrate into each phase to support businesses and ensure the best possible outcomes.” - First response
The first aid team at a business is responsible for attending to the person seeking medical attention. Once the patient is assessed, the first aider will activate emergency medical services. ER24 provides life-saving pre-arrival instructions to the first aiders while they are waiting for an ambulance to arrive. This is a critical step, as it could mean the difference between life and death.
Emergency response
Once ER24 is activated, the call is triaged to assess the severity of the situation. ER24 then dispatches the appropriate response team. “Upon arrival, ER24 medics work to stabilise the patient and ensure rapid transport to the most appropriate medical facility,” says Daniel.
Post-incident support
The effects of a medical emergency often extend beyond the immediate crisis. ER24 assists businesses with post-traumatic debriefing and trauma counselling for any other incident that may require trauma support.
“Emergency preparedness is not just about ticking a compliance box,” notes Daniel. “Businesses that prioritise a structured emergency response – from first aid teams to post-incident trauma support – create a safer, more resilient workplace.”
This is why ER24’s dedicated team of consultants works closely with organisations to develop emergency plans and customised solutions suited to their industry-specific needs. “Our corporate emergency medical services are designed to enhance workplace safety and ensure rapid response during medical emergencies,” concludes Daniel.
Want to see how ER24 can help your business stay prepared for emergencies? Get in touch here