Commercial laundries typically are hubs of activity. There’s pressure to get soiled goods in, sorted, washed, dried, finished, packed out and onto trucks bound for customers. This completes the cycle, which then starts again quickly. Unfortunately, in the thick of the action, mishaps can happen—with varying degrees of seriousness. Below, we outline first-aid protocols for plant employees to encourage them to take action as needed.
First Aid
- When an incident occurs that requires first aid, such as a minor cut, utilize the first-aid kit.
- Always report injuries immediately, no matter how minor, to a manager.
- If an employee determines that the first-aid kit is low on supplies, they should notify management so that they can place an order to restock the kit.
- Managers should identify where the first-aid cabinet is located.
- Employees should report any use of the first-aid kit to their supervisor or administrator.
First-Aid Best Practices
First aid is usually administered immediately after the injury occurs and at the location where it occurred. It often consists of a one-time, short-term treatment that requires little technology or training to administer. For example, an employee could place a bandage on a minor cut. With that said, there are some issues to consider:
Do’s:
- Every employee should know where the first-aid kit is located for immediate access as needed.
- For serious injuries, employees or managers can call 911 to get immediate medical care.
Don’ts:
- Administer first aid without utilizing supplies in the first-aid cabinet.
- Neglect to notify a manager of any injuries, no matter how minor
Eye Safety
Since laundry environments involve a range of chemicals for washing, eye safety is a top priority for any employee working in this area. Key safety protocols include:
Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the form of eye protection, such as face shields.
If an incident occurs involving chemicals entering the eyes, use the portable eye-wash bottles or an eye wash station to flush out any foreign material.
All laundry facilities should have an eye-wash station.
Inform a manager of any chemical-related injuries
Your facility should also have an eye-wash station if an extended eye-wash flush is necessary.
Eye Wash Varieties
There are several types of eye-wash products available for commercial laundries. Eye-wash options include:
Eye Wash Bottles: These are for temporary use until the employee can get to a plumbed or portable eye wash station. Ensure that no one has tampered with the bottle or that it has not expired.
Portable Eye Wash Station: These stations provide a continual flow and are suitable for most eye flushing. Ensure that these stations are clean and ready for use.
Plumbed-in Eye Wash Station: This is the best station for flushing eyes due to its continuous flow. Ensure the station is clean, clutter-free and easily accessible.
For more on first aid and safety, contact TRSA’s safety adviser, Brian Varner, at bvarner@trsa.org. TS
