Trained First-Aid Providers and Medical Services

Under 1926.50(c), when there's no infirmary, clinic, hospital, or physician reasonably accessible in terms of time and distance to the worksite, a person with a valid first-aid certificate — from the American Red Cross or equivalent training that can be verified — has to be available at the worksite.

In plain terms: if the hospital is more than a few minutes out, you need trained first-aid help on site. On most construction jobs that's the case, so there should always be at least one certified first-aid provider present, and enough of them to cover all shifts and work areas.

The on-site provider is one layer. 1926.50 also requires:

• Medical personnel available for advice and consultation on occupational health matters (1926.50(a)).
• Arrangements for prompt medical attention in case of serious injury, made before the project starts (1926.50(b)).
• A way to get the injured worker to a physician or hospital — transport equipment or a reliable way to call an ambulance (1926.50(e)).

The pieces work together: first aid holds the line on site while professional care is summoned and the worker is moved to it.

A trained responder only helps if people can find them fast. Everyone on the crew should know who the first-aid providers are, which shifts and areas they cover, and how to reach them in seconds.

First-aid certification also expires — typically every two years — so training has to be kept current, and there need to be enough trained people that one absence doesn't leave the site uncovered. If you're not sure who your responder is today, ask at the next toolbox talk, not during an emergency.