EMG/Specific/TBT-EMG-023

In Case of Emergency ICE Tags

Emergency Preparedness › Specific › In Case of Emergency ICE Tags

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ICE stands for "In Case of Emergency" — it identifies who to contact if you are injured or incapacitated on site.
An ICE tag is typically worn on the hard hat, attached to a lanyard, or carried inside the hard hat liner.
The tag records your name, emergency contact person, their phone number, and any critical medical information.
Medical information on ICE tags includes allergies, blood type, medications, and conditions like diabetes or epilepsy.
Many UK construction clients and principal contractors now mandate ICE tags as a site entry requirement.
Paramedics rely on ICE information when a casualty is unconscious and cannot communicate their own details.
Without ICE details, contacting next of kin and providing correct medical treatment can be seriously delayed.
ICE contacts stored only on a locked mobile phone are useless if the phone is damaged or inaccessible.
The MHSWR 1999 requires employers to have arrangements for first aid and emergency contact procedures on site.
ICE tags should be reviewed regularly to ensure contact numbers and medical information are still current.

Faster emergency response	ICE tags give paramedics and first aiders immediate access to critical medical and contact information without delay.
Inform next of kin	Families deserve to be contacted quickly after a serious incident — ICE tags make this possible within minutes.
Medical safety	Knowing about allergies, medications, or conditions like diabetes can change treatment decisions and prevent harm.

Don't

Complete your ICE tag fully with your name, contact person, and their phone number.
Include any medical conditions, allergies, or medications that could affect your treatment.
Attach the tag securely to your hard hat, lanyard, or inside your helmet liner.
Inform your emergency contact person that they are listed on your ICE tag.
Update your ICE tag immediately if your contact details or medical information changes.
Check your tag is still legible and securely attached at the start of every shift.
Also store ICE contacts on your mobile phone under the name "ICE" for backup.
Carry a spare blank ICE tag in the site first aid kit for new starters.
Include a second emergency contact in case the primary person is not reachable.
Supervisors should check ICE tag compliance during regular site walk-arounds.

DON'T leave the ICE tag blank thinking you will fill it in later — do it now.
DON'T rely solely on your locked phone — paramedics cannot access it in an emergency.
DON'T provide an out-of-date phone number that will not reach your emergency contact.
DON'T hide important medical conditions — this information could save your life.
DON'T remove your ICE tag to keep your hard hat looking clean or tidy.
DON'T assume the site office has your emergency details on file and accessible quickly.
DON'T list a contact who would be unable to respond or make decisions on your behalf.
DON'T use pencil on the tag — use permanent marker so it remains legible over time.
DON'T ignore a colleague without an ICE tag — remind them it is a site requirement.
DON'T treat ICE tags as optional paperwork — they exist for genuine emergencies.

See also: Site Emergency Plan Awareness | First Aid Response and Triage

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