§8420. Care of the Injured.

(a) Emergency medical services at all places of employment where these safety orders are applicable shall comply with the requirements of Section 1512 of the Construction Safety Orders and the following:

(1) At least one basket-type stretcher, or equally appropriate type stretcher with straps, a woolen blanket, a waterproof blanket or equivalent covering and adequate first-aid materials shall be provided near the primary access to the underground work area(s).

(2) At all underground operations over one-quarter mile distance from the surface, a stretcher equipped according to the requirements of Section 8420(a)(1) shall be provided at a convenient location near the advancing face for the care of injured employees.

(3) At least one stretcher equipped according to the requirements of Section 8420(a)(1) shall be provided for each 20 employees working on a shift, or fraction thereof.

(4) For the purposes of these safety orders, adequate first-aid material shall consist of those required for 6 - 15 employees in Section 1512(c)(1) of the Construction Safety Orders and the following:

(A) six (6) compresses of surgical pads suitable for pressure dressings.

(B) Six (6) triangular bandages.

(C) Suitable splinting material.

(5) First-aid material shall be maintained in a dry, sanitary and usable condition. Where blankets are required, they shall be kept in sealed, moisture and dust-proof containers.

(6) First-aid kits, boxes and containers shall be prominently marked to indicate their purpose.

(7) Weekly inspections shall be made of all first-aid materials to ensure that the expended items are replaced.

(8) An effective means of communication shall be provided for contacting emergency medical services. The procedures to contact emergency medical service(s) shall be prominently posted.

(9) Where a first-aid station is provided or required, dependable communications shall be provided between the first-aid station and the work area(s).

(b) Where emergency medical services are not available within a 30 minute response time, the following conditions shall prevail:

(1) A designated emergency transportation vehicle properly equipped and maintained unless a licensed ambulance service is available.

(2) A responsible person on each shift shall be designated to ensure that the transportation vehicle is dependable, fueled, properly cleaned, and equipped with blankets, first-aid materials, oxygen, tire chains and anti-freeze where necessary. Attention is also called to the California Vehicle Code, Regulations and Laws relating to Ambulance Operation in California. Four-wheel drive vehicles for transporting injured workers may be required depending on terrain, weather and road conditions.

(3) Where 25 or more individuals are employed on the largest shift, a fully equipped first-aid station shall be maintained with the supplies recommended by a consulting physician.

(4) A qualified medical attendant approved by the licensed physician shall be available and responsible for first-aid care at all times when work is in progress. He/she shall be under the direction of a responsible licensed physician.

NOTE: Qualified shall mean a person holding a current certificate in first aid issued by the American Red Cross or the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).

(5) In addition to the required emergency transportation vehicle, approved emergency medical helicopter service shall be prearranged for remote areas of difficult access.

(c) In the event of a fatality, the Division shall be notified and no work, other than rescue and essential maintenance work, is to be resumed in that area until an investigation is completed by the Division.

NOTE: Authority cited: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code. Reference: Sections 142.3 and 7997, Labor Code.

HISTORY

1. Amendment of section and new Note filed 3-5-96; operative 4-4-96 (Register 96, No. 10).

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