I work in the front office at a steel manufacturer. Our safety director says that we cannot keep aspirin to give out if needed because of osha. But we give out ibuprofen and first aid creams and sprays? what's the difference? I'm only wondering b/c I know that if someone is having a heart attack, you should give them aspririn. Any thoughts would be helpful.
2007-01-02 07:22:27 · 11 answers · asked by elfkin, attention whore 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I know the OSHA regulations pretty well (for General Industry), and I've never seen any rule that prohibits employers from distributing aspirin. OSHA requires that employers provide a safe and healthful working environment. If an employer does something to negatively affect the health of an employee, OSHA may look into it.
Keeping this in mind, I challenge your safety director to find an OSHA rule regarding this issue. I say this because I'm extremely confident that it does not exist. Also keep in mind that there are lots of safety directors that, although tend to be well-paid, don't know much about OSHA rules. As a matter of fact, I'll gladly mail $5 to anyone who shows me such a rule.
Here's the OSHA first aid rule in its entirety (it's brief):
Medical services and first aid. - 1910.151
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Regulations (Standards - 29 CFR) - Table of Contents
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• Part Number: 1910
• Part Title: Occupational Safety and Health Standards
• Subpart: K
• Subpart Title: Medical and First Aid
• Standard Number: 1910.151
• Title: Medical services and first aid.
• Appendix: A
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1910.151(a)
The employer shall ensure the ready availability of medical personnel for advice and consultation on matters of plant health.
1910.151(b)
In the absence of an infirmary, clinic, or hospital in near proximity to the workplace which is used for the treatment of all injured employees, a person or persons shall be adequately trained to render first aid. Adequate first aid supplies shall be readily available.
1910.151(c)
Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use.
----> Unless your state has implemented its own state plan rule regarding aspirin, it doesn't likely exist. The safety director may not know, or it may just be using OSHA as an excuse.
For those of you bashing OSHA's "crazy" rules, know what you're talking about first. Many of the internet rumors of crazy OSHA laws are just false. They're not perfect, but they save lives and workers' quality of life.
2007-01-02 13:29:00 · answer #1 · answered by jazznsax 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only a paramedic would know if a person were having a heart attack.
Call an ambulance they will surely have aspirin.
It is important not to give aspirin for just a headache or the like. It can cause bleeding into the stomach or intestine.
2007-01-02 07:29:39 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Aspirin (which could be used to treat heart attacks) is considered medical treatment under OSHA. You must be a doctor to provide medical treatment.
Ibuprofen is not used for medical treatment.
OSHA has some screwed up regulations.
2007-01-02 08:20:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
What is ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Ibuprofen works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.
Ibuprofen is used to reduce fever and treat pain or inflammation caused by many conditions such as headache, toothache, back pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps, or minor injury. This medicine is used in adults and children who are at least 6 months old.
Ibuprofen may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
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2016-04-25 20:29:40 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My guess would be liability concerns. If you dispense medicine then you are providing medical treatment. If the person you give it to has an adverse reaction to the aspirin - then your company can get sued.
2007-01-02 07:51:10 · answer #5 · answered by MikeGolf 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Asprin is an addictive and fatal drug if administered incorrectly. Heart attack victims are only administered this in extreme cases. Other more effective drugs are given by Paramedics. OSHA recognises this distinction and yes you would probably be held accountable in either civil or criminal court for any mistakes made using this or any other drug.
Its the World you Americans have made for yourself and frankly you are welcome to it. It is a direct consequence of this lunacy to Sue for Helping someone in need that has generated this obcene situation in your country. Sorry
2007-01-02 07:39:11 · answer #6 · answered by Kevin 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Hhhm I think your safety director has his/her facts mixed up. The basic OSHA safety kit includes both aspirin and ibuprofin.
2007-01-02 07:27:18 · answer #7 · answered by harrisnish 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
this is how OSHA has overstepped its bounds. employers are afraid of being sued so they don't offer simple things such as aspirin for all employees.
i agree -- that is stupid. bring your own aspirin I guess.
2007-01-02 07:26:29 · answer #8 · answered by curious_One 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That's odd... I think all of my offices have offered aspirin.
2007-01-02 07:30:12 · answer #9 · answered by dani girl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some people are very allergic or sensitive to aspirin.
2007-01-02 07:26:47 · answer #10 · answered by Channel Ocho 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋