Mark Lies & Brian Hipp Published in Tower Times, Render, and Demolition

The October issues of 3 trade publications: Tower Times, the magazine for the National Association of Tower Erectors; Render, the magazine for the National Renderers Association; and Demolition, the magazine for the National Demolition Association, all feature an article by Mark Lies and Brian Hipp on the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in the workplace entitled: “Doing the Right Thing Without Fear: Employer Use of Automatic External Defibrillator.”

The fact that cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in the workplace, they say, is compelling reason for employers to consider implementing an AED program. “OSHA estimates that of the 400 or so workplace deaths that occur yearly as a result of cardiac arrest, forty percent or 160 fatalities could be avoided if the employer was able to use an AED within five minutes of the onset of cardiac arrest. Quicker reaction time would increase the survival rate.”

Employers who chose to have an AED onsite must assign “first responder” duties to qualified individuals, and there is concern about repercussions if their life-saving efforts are unsuccessful. “…Many states have ‘Good Samaritan’ laws which protect those who act in a reasonable way in an emergency situation. Many of these laws specifically protect those individuals and entities who use AEDs when an emergency presents itself.  The reasoning of these Good Samaritan laws are clear: in an emergency, the law should not inhibit people’s instinct to help out.  Life is at stake, and if someone takes the initiative to act, he or she should not fear liability or attorneys’ fees."

In conclusion, Mark and Brian suggest that “Employers, especially those in dangerous or stressful setting, wishing to prevent workplace fatalities would be wise to implement an AED program.  At the same time, such a program requires responsibility and training. Given such training, employers need not fear liability for responsible use of an AED. The potential reward for implementing such a program is incalculable.”