On the job, you could be faced with injuries of every kind. Every accident must be dealt with in the right way and being prepared includes having adequate supplies in your first aid kit.
OSHA requires employers to provide a safe and healthy workplace for their employees.
Employers are required to provide medical and first aid personnel and supplies commensurate with the hazards of the workplace. CFR 1910.151(b) states
Adequate first aid supplies shall be readily available.
However, OSHA does not provide any specific requirements for the contents of a first aid kit. In an interpretation of the standard (1910.151 & 1910.151(b)), Richard E. Fairfax, Directorate of Enforcement Programs, OSHA, writes
Employers may elect not to provide first aid services if all such services will be provided by a hospital, infirmary, or clinic in near proximity to the workplace. If the employer has persons who are trained in first aid, then adequate first aid supplies must be readily available for use. Therefore, employers are required to provide first aid supplies that are most appropriate to respond to incidents at their workplaces. OSHA allows employers to provide first aid supplies specific to the needs of their workplace.
If you are wondering what your kit should contain, the article OSHA Compliance for First Aid in the Workplace, by Rod Brouhard, provides a helpful list of basic supplies for workplace first aid kits.
- At least one absorbent compress, 32 sq. in. (81.3 sq. cm.) with no side smaller than 4 in. (10 cm)
- At least 16 adhesive bandages, 1 in. x 3 in. (2.5 cm x 7.5 cm)
- One roll of adhesive tape, 5 yd. (457.2 cm) total
- At least ten packets of antiseptic, 0.5g (0.14 fl oz.) applications
- At least six applications of burn treatments, 0.5 g (0.14 fl. oz)
- Two or more pairs of medical exam gloves (latex or non-latex)
- At least four sterile pads, 3 in. x 3 in. (7.5 x 7.5 cm)
- One triangular bandage, 40 in. x 40 in. x 56 in. (101 cm x 101 cm x 142 cm)
The article cites the American National Standard – Minimum Requirements for Workplace First Aid Kits ANSI Z308.1-2003, and based on the standard, also provides an additional list of recommended, but optional, items.
Here are some First Aid Safety Training products we offer:
First Aid Safety Training Courses
First Aid Safety Meeting Kit DVD English & Spanish versions
First Aid CD-ROM Training Program
First Aid Booklet
Information covered by the First Aid Training Programs include
- Cuts and Blisters
- Burns
- Eye Injuries
- Sprains, Strains and other Muscle Injuries
- Broken Bones and Fractures
- Heat Stroke and Heat Stress
- Toxins and Poisons
- The Heimlich Maneuver
- Rescue Breathing (Artificial Respiration)
- Shock