Does My Employer Need to Provide First Aid in Chicago?

If you get injured at work, the obvious step is to call an ambulance. But shouldn’t your employer also provide you with some basic first aid while you wait? What if your injuries aren’t quite serious enough to require ambulance transport, but you still need treatment before you head to a doctor? Is your employer even required to provide first aid? These are questions you might want to raise with an experienced workers’ comp lawyer in Chicago.

Construction Sites Must Follow Stricter First Aid Rules 

OSHA has various rules regarding first aid at workplaces across the country. Some of the strictest first aid rules apply to the construction industry. If you work in construction, your employer must have a first aid kit that contains certain things. These include bandages, cleaning agents, scissors, tweezers, and resuscitation equipment.

In addition, every construction site needs at least one certified first aid responder present at all times. This person must have valid training in practices like CPR or AED. Finally, first aid kits must be easily accessible, and contractors may need to strategically place first aid kits throughout the job site to meet these requirements.

What About Other Workplaces?

If you don’t work in the construction industry, your employer should still keep a basic first aid kit handy. Although general workplaces face fewer OSHA requirements compared to construction sites, first aid kits still play important roles in restaurants, retail stores, warehouses, and many other workplaces.

In addition, OSHA strongly advises employers to have at least one employee on site with first aid training at all times. This person doesn’t necessarily need the same certifications as a first aid worker on a construction site, but they should still be able to “render aid” if necessary. These requirements do not apply if there is a medical facility or hospital very close to the workplace.

What if My Employer Fails to Follow These Rules?

If your employer fails to follow these rules, they could face fines and other sanctions enforced by OSHA. They could also potentially face a lawsuit, and this is something you might want to explore with a lawyer. However, the most important step after suffering an injury is to immediately seek treatment. If the first aid kit is missing and no one is helping you, call an ambulance. Once you receive a diagnosis, consider speaking with a workers’ comp lawyer in Chicago and filing an accident report.

Can a Chicago Workers’ Comp Lawyer Help Me?

If you suffered injuries at work and you feel that your employer should have done more to provide first aid, you can speak with a workers’ comp lawyer in Chicago at Connolly Injury Law. These legal professionals can assess your situation in more detail and determine whether your employer violated any regulations. More importantly, they can guide you toward the compensation you need for medical bills, missed wages, and more.

Sources: 

chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/dps/ContractAdministration/Specs/2021/Spec1217758_RFQ7878_1%20Attachment%205_Construction%20Safety%20Manual.pdf

illinoissafety.com/osha-emergency-kit-checklist-illinois-2025/