IS YOUR WORKPLACE SAFE?

In 2007 there were 4 million non-fatal workplace injures in the private sector, or a rate of 4.2 cases per 100 workers in 2007, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

HEART ATTACKS HAPPEN AT WORK

Between 400,000 to 460,000 die each year of cardiac arrest, and 13 percent of these deaths are in the workplace, according to the American Heart Association.

OSHA REGULATIONS REQURE:

Each organization to have at least one person trained in first aid during all working hours, if the workplace is located 3 to 4 minutes driving distance from a medical clinic or hospital.

THE COST OF A WORKPLACE FATALITY

There were 5,488 work-related fatalities in the U.S. in 2007, with each fatality costing more than a million dollars, according to the National Safety Council.

THE NEXT BIG ONE

There is a 62% probability of at least one magnitude 6.7 or greater quake in the San Francisco Bay region before 2032, which could cause widespread damage in the area.

EVERY DAY THE EARTH SHAKES

An estimated 152 earthquakes of 6.0 magnitude occur each day worldwide, according to the USGS.

EARTHQUAKES AREN'T ONLY IN CALIFORNIA

In the U.S., 39 states have active earthquake faults, according to FEMA.

What would you do if your coworker suddenly collapsed at work? While calling for help is essential, it may not be enough to save the life of an employee that experiences a medical emergency in the office.

Under OSHA regulations, each organization located more than four minutes from a medical clinic or hospital must have at least one person trained in first aid during all working hours, as well as written documentation of emergency medical procedures.

These workplace first-aid providers should be trained to deliver medical assessments and deliver initial medical emergency procedures like CPR while awaiting the arrival of medical personnel. OSHA suggests they can be trained to use automated external defibrillators (AEDs), which can lead to a 60% survival rate if used within 3 to 4 minutes after a sudden cardiac arrest, according to the American Heart Association.

While nobody expects a medical emergency in the workplace, medical situations can strike anybody, anytime. An estimated 450,000 people die each year of cardiac arrest, with 13 percent of these deaths occurring in the workplace, according to the American Heart Association. There were 5,488 work-related fatalities in the U.S. in 2007, with each fatality costing more than a million dollars, according to the National Safety Council.

As a 6.3 magnitude earthquake rocked central Italy earlier this month, killing at least 294 people and injuring more than 1,500, we are reminded to be prepared for an earthquake that can strike any of the 39 U.S. states with active earthquake faults, says FEMA. Each day 152 earthquakes of 6.0 magnitude rattle the earth, according to the USGS. With April being earthquake preparedness month, it is important to review home and office preparation for earthquakes and other emergenices. FEMA advises periodically checking for potential earthquake hazards such as poorly secured shelves and heavy items like mirrors hanging from a wall. A proper emergency action plan should also be developed that identifies safe places inside and outside a building/home should an earthquake occur. Also, it is vitally important to have emergency supply kits in the home and office with a store of food, water and emergency supplies for at least five days. The kit should also include a flashlight, batteries, portable radio, tools, blankets and sturdy shoes. To find out more on how you can prepare for the next earthquake visit: http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/eq_before.shtm.