Obstacles make it difficult for the first aid attendant to do their job.

For example, work areas might be temporarily blocked by construction, or a train running through the worksite could prevent attendants from reaching an injured worker.

• Eliminate obstacles.
• Provide another way to get to the work area.
• Embed first aid attendants into crews.

Workers are unable to call for first aid.

For example, if someone works alone and does not have access to a phone.

• Provide an alternative means of communication.
• Assign workers to work together.
• Provide regular check-ins. (Refer to section 4.21 of the Regulation.)

Workers are distributed over a large area.

For example, a farm or a large warehouse complex.

• Distribute first aid attendants and equipment within 10 minutes of all working areas.
• Provide additional first aid supplies.

First aid attendants may be expected to treat non-workers.

For example, where the public is present such as in a supermarket or at an event.

• Provide enough first aid attendants and equipment to serve workers without delay.
• Ensure there are separate procedures and enough attendants and equipment to cover expectations for treating non-workers.

There are language or cultural barriers between the first aid attendant and injured workers.

For example, if your first aid attendant only speaks English and you hire workers who do not all speak English.

• Provide additional first aid attendants who speak the language your workers do, or ensure translators are available.
• Provide first aid procedures and posters in the primary language of your workers.

There are hazardous work areas that require specialized training or equipment to access.

For example, there is an area that requires the use of specialized equipment that the first aid attendant does not use as part of their normal duties. These might include steel-toed boots, fall protection equipment, or a respirator.

• Provide specialized equipment that reduces or eliminates the barrier. Train first aid attendants in how to use this equipment safely.

Road or weather conditions may prevent an ambulance from getting to or from the workplace or hospital.

• Provide additional emergency transportation.
• Establish alternative routes to and from the workplace.
• Increase first aid equipment and provide attendants with higher levels of certification to better manage injuries while waiting for ambulance attendants.