Contractor Safety Share

An employee reached into a fume hood to move out of the way a plastic bottle that contained a chemical.  Upon doing so a small amount of the chemical squirted out from the spout of the bottle onto the employee’s eye behind the safety glasses. The employee immediately used the eye wash in the laboratory. Next the employee was taken to on-site Contractor Nurse. At the nurse the Emergency Response Team (ERT) was dispatched and arrived after calling the local emergency number.

.

Factors to consider at your site and/or project include, but not limited to the following:

1.     It is important to get immediate medical evaluation in the event of an actual, potential, or perceived exposure to chemicals or compounds. Local ERT must be immediately notified for all chemical exposures and/or emergency situations.

2.     Safety showers and eyewashes are available wherever chemicals are stored or used.  If exposure occurs, most MSDS recommend a flushing of the body part/eye for at least 15 minutes.

3.     If exposure involves an “Owner” company chemical or compound, the exposed employee(s) will be taken to the Owner’s Employee Health Services for evaluation.  If exposure is from a chemical a contractor brought on to an Owner’s site, the exposed employee(s) should be evaluated by the Contractor Nurse if not an emergency situation.

4.     All illnesses/injuries shall be reported immediately. Employees should work with their Supervision in all cases.

5.     If it is not an emergency situation, contractors are encouraged to visit an on-site Contractor Nurse. Additionally your company should have a preferred Occupational Health provider that can also be seen for medical evaluation.