On any given day, your job is more dangerous than the average person’s. It takes a great deal of skill, focus, and knowledge to be a water power engineer or construction worker. Because of this, it’s critical for you to know exactly what to do in case of an emergency.
When you’re on the job, you face risks like electrocution, slips, falls, fire, and hydraulic jumps. The extreme dangers posed by being around water are always looming, as well. The everyday concerns that any worker might face at work are enhanced by the nature of what you do and the environment in which you do it.
The good news is that there is no shortage of first aid and emergency preparedness information and resources. While the hope is that you will never face a life-threatening or otherwise serious situation at work, the reality is that it could happen. Knowing the basics of first aid best practices could be the difference between life and death.
Importance of first aid training in water power industries
Across the globe, up to seventeen percent of the electricity supply relies on the water power industry and its workers.
Each of those workers is at risk of serious injury when doing their job, so it is of the utmost importance that first aid training is regularly provided to hydroelectricity employees. Without proper first aid knowledge, even small accidents can have extreme consequences.
It is absolutely critical that you know how to handle the unique emergencies that you might find yourself in at work. Treating electrocution is an important skill, but treating electrocution when there is a risk of water exposure is tricky. Without the proper training, an accident can quickly become a life-or-death situation.
Common emergencies in water power engineering and construction sites
The first step in arming yourself with first aid knowledge is understanding what kinds of emergencies you could potentially face at work. While this list is not exhaustive, it can give you an idea of the types of events you might need to respond to.
1. Electrical accidents
Electrical accidents are one of the most obvious risks of water power engineering work. These can happen even when all safety precautions are taken. They can lead to electrocutions, which can have very serious implications.
2. Heat-related illnesses
Working in extreme temperatures, as is often the case on construction sites, means dealing with the possibility of heat-related illnesses. Dehydration, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion are some of the most serious consequences of working in the heat, but even something as simple as a sunburn should be treated to avoid complications.
3. Slips and falls
Some sites are notoriously uneven and often covered in rocks and dirt. You’ll also deal with construction materials placed around the site, which can be tripping hazards. Workers sometimes fall from equipment or slip on a hazardous material, requiring immediate medical attention.
4. Water-related incidents
Perhaps it goes without saying, but working at water power plants means potentially dealing with water-related accidents. Failed equipment can cause flooding, increasing the risk of electrocution, slips, and drowning.
5. Fires
Electrical fires, heavy machinery malfunctions, and other hazards can increase fire risks, which means workers could be subject to serious injury. Burns are a very common injury on worksites and in plants.
Essential first aid techniques for water power professionals
Knowing what to do in an emergency is critical to prevent an illness or injury from getting worse. The following first-aid techniques may give you peace of mind when working in dangerous environments.
1. CPR and AED usage
The most important first aid tool you should have in your arsenal is a CPR certification. If you can properly perform CPR on a person who needs it, you can greatly increase their chance of survival.
As a supplement to CPR education, understanding how to use an AED makes a big difference in life-saving measures. Most modern AEDs will come with instructions for use, but familiarizing yourself ahead of time could save valuable seconds in an emergency.
Check out this guide for a step-by-step guide for performing CPR and using an AED.
2. Treating burns and wounds
Your first aid kit should have supplies for treating burns and wounds, and we recommend knowing what they are and how to use them. Ideally, the first thing you should do if someone is burned is to cool the area. A good first aid kit will include a cooling gel that also acts as an antiseptic for preventing infections.
Wounds will need to be treated by stopping any bleeding (pressure usually works, but apply a tourniquet for severe cases). Then, the wound needs to be cleaned with water or saline. Finally, a sterile dressing should be applied to keep the area covered until further assessment and treatment can take place.
3. Water rescue techniques
Water emergencies are serious and time-sensitive. Becoming familiar with available floatation devices, ropes, or poles that can be used to help guide someone out of water and having a strong sense of how to perform CPR are the best techniques for water rescue.
4. Electrocution
When water is present, electricity becomes even more dangerous than it is on its own. The very first thing you should do if someone is being electrocuted (in or out of water) is turn off the power source. After you’ve cut the power, contact emergency services. If it’s safe to do so, use an insulated device that can help with grounding to try and pull the victim out of the water.
Creating a first aid plan for water power sites
The most effective way to respond to an emergency is to prepare for it before it happens. There are several ways you can do this.
1. Assessing risks and hazards
As we’ve discussed, knowing the risks and hazards that might befall you or your team is the first step in preparing for them. Regular inspections of your facilities can help you identify potential dangers and prepare to deal with them.
2. Stocking first aid kits
Without a well-stocked first aid kit, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Many of the items in a first aid kit expire, so it’s a good idea to review the contents on a regular schedule to make sure nothing needs to be replaced.
Most importantly, consider the special needs your workplace may have. Water power plants don’t have the same risks as mines, so it makes sense that the first aid supplies may look different.
3. Training staff for emergency response
The training you and your staff have for dealing with emergencies directly impacts how well these situations can be handled. It’s imperative to hold thorough, mandatory training for all staff so that everyone is equipped to respond to a potential crisis.
Conclusion
As the old saying goes, it’s better to have something and not need it than to need it and not have it. That goes for first aid training — you don’t want to find yourself unprepared for an emergency because you haven’t been properly trained.
With solid first-aid training and a stocked first-aid kit, you have the power to prevent situations from escalating by being able to respond to them effectively.
