First Aid Supplies for the Workplace

OSHA’s Medical Services and First-Aid Standards, 29 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) 1926.50 and 1926.51 require employers to make first-aid supplies readily available to employees.

The CFRs do not specify what should be contained in these supplies. OSHA recommends that employers follow the “Minimum Requirements for Workplace First-Aid Kits” specified by ANSI (American National Standard Institute).

However, locating the standard and interpreting it is not quite so simple. In the latest issue of OSHA Quicktakes, OSHA provides more helpful guidelines as to what basic supplies should be included in a minimal first-aid kit.

Here is a summary:

  • Absorbent compress, 32 sq. in. [no side < 4"] (1)
  • adhesive bandages, 1″ x 3″ (16)
  • Adhesive tape, 5 yd. (1)
  • antiseptic, .5g application (10)
  • Burn treatment, .5g application
  • medical exam gloves (2 pair)
  • Sterile pads, 3″ x 3″ (4)
  • triangular bandage, 40″ x 40″ x 56″ (1)

OSHA further advises employers to routinely survey the needs of their workplace and supplement first-aid kits accordingly. See the OSHA’s Medical and First-Aid Safety and Health Topics page for more information.

First Aid training resources: