First aid and medical services

• Pages: 69-70

69

19. First aid and medical services

19.1. First-aid requirements

19.1.1. National laws or regulations should specify the minimum first-aid

equipment to be kept, having regard for the different types of opencast mines and the

size of the operation, as well as the qualifications and numbers of first-aid attendants.

19.1.2. The following facilities for first aid and emergency treatment in case of

accident should be provided at any opencast mine:

19.1.2.1. a suitable, regularly replenished and properly maintained first-aid outfit

should be kept at the mine for use in case of accident, and a suitably trained

first-aid attendant should be on duty at all times when the mine is in

operation;

19.1.2.2. dressings and disinfectant shall be made available at all points where mining

operations are performed; and

19.1.2.3. a conveniently sited and suitably accessible room which permits the transfer

of patients by stretcher should be set aside for the sole use of first aid,

medical examination and ambulance work. This room to be maintained to a

suitable level of hygiene and condition, as may be specified in national laws.

19.1.3. At every mine where the total number of persons employed on one shift

exceeds a figure to be specified by national laws or regulations, it should be the duty of

the mine operator or manager of an opencast mine to provide a convenient location

furnished with a sufficient number of beds, together with the necessary equipment and

supplies, for the preliminary treatment of injuries or illness and suitable for the

temporary use of persons injured at the mine, unless:

19.1.3.1. there is a hospital or other suitable medical facility nearby and conveniently

accessible to the mine; and

19.1.3.2. there is a suitable ambulance properly maintained and available at all times

during working hours.

19.1.4. The manager of an opencast mine should make arrangements as necessary

for the transportation of injured persons to a hospital or similar treatment centre.

19.1.5.1. A first-aid register should be kept in each first-aid room for recording the

names of persons to whom first aid has been rendered and the particulars of injuries and

treatment.

19.1.5.2. The register should be accessible only to authorised persons.

19.2. First-aid training

19.2.1.1. As far as is reasonably practicable, selected supervisory employees

should undergo a training programme to enable them to qualify for a recognised first-