Blood Drives

KD13

We are thinking about sponsoring a Red Cross blood drive at our facility. Hald of our employees work in our manufacturing shop working with or assembling stainless steel products. Overhead cranes can be used for anything that is very heavy but there is still a fair amount of lifting and tightening of bolts. Our biggest concern is the safety of our employees once returning back to work after donating their blood. Do you allow blood drives during work hours and if so, do you do anything different to assure your employees safety?

sonny

Yes we allow them and no we do not take any after precautions. .

KD13

Thanks, Sonny. I have worked at one other place that allowed blood drives and they did nothing additional after the employees gave.

ACU Frank

I give frequently, but I also pass out about half the time. The last time I gave at a work-sponsored blood drive, I passed out twice. I still support them, but make sure your donors have plenty of time to recover before hitting the line!

preider

At my former employer, we conducted blood drives about four times a year. We always provided water, juice, and sandwiches for the donors before they returned to the manufacturing floor.

kdigangi

I agree with Frank and preider. You should have fluids and high sugar snacks available and allow plenty of time before they return to work. I think supervisors should also be cautioned to be extra watchful for anyone who doesn't seem quite right. I also give frequently and sometimes I'm fine and other times I've come very close to passing out.

mandrews

You could always advise the employees who wish to participate in the blood drive that they may do so during the last 30 minutes of their shift, that way they aren't hitting the line immediately following. This might just encourage more employees to participate in the blood drive to get out of work an extra 30 minutes early! Just a thought.