Heart attacks, cardiac arrests and stroke can happen anywhere, including the workplace. It’s important to know the warning signs. Whether a worker is having or witnessing a medical emergency, the key is identifying the signs and calling 911 immediately.
WorkSafeNB recommends that all employers and workers know the risks, warning signs and procedures for addressing cardiac emergencies.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick can help:
An automated external defibrillator (AED) in the workplace is not a specific requirement of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. However, subsection 4(3) of the First Aid Regulation-2004-130 states that the requirements are minimum requirements, and each employer shall assess the risks that employees are likely to encounter at a place of employment. Employers are responsible for ensuring that there are adequate first aid supplies, equipment, services and facilities available for the provision of first aid. This means that if your workplace believes that an AED could supplement your workplace’s first aid program, then the regulation would support such a decision.
If an AED is available, it’s critical that staff members are trained to use it properly. Regular training will help ensure staff members are knowledgeable and prepared for cardiac arrests or heart attacks.