All You Need to Know About First Aid Kits

Did you know that every year thousands of people get injured at work? Having a well-stocked portable first aid kit is extremely important, regardless if it is at work, at home, in a car, or outdoors, because if an accident occurs, an immediate First Aid response can reduce the severity of injuries. All employers have to ensure that they fulfill their legal responsibilities by offering immediate and appropriate first aid help to employees, as well as supporting them with taking care of their work-related health issues.

Here is a list of what is necessary to ensure that the first aid requirements are met for your specific location:

• availability of the appropriate types of first aid kits
• information on how to use first aid kits
• first aid response trained personnel on-site

The 1910.266(d)(2) OSHA Standard can be used as a guide to determine which type of first aid kit is necessary for each particular environment. The required content of a kit varies from one worksite to another. Some workplaces have greater risks of injury and illness because of the sort of work they do. Low-hazard environments include shops and offices. High-hazard environments are warehouses, factories, oil and gas operations, and construction sites. Where there are unusual hazards that have been identified during a risk assessment of a particular environment, workplace first aid kits should be supplemented with the appropriate components. For example, first aid kits sold for use in watercraft may contain seasickness remedies. A travel first aid kit may contain these items: antihistamine cream, sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more, and insect repellent.

The OSHA Standard on Medical First Aid Kits also gives recommendations on key features of a First Aid container. It should be clean and dustproof, have enough space to fit all the relevant components, and must be closed securely.

The following table can help you make an informed decision about the correct size and content of the kit that is required for your environment:

It is important to maintain adequate supplies in the first aid kits.  Here is a minimally acceptable number of first-aid items:

1. Gauze pads ( 4 x 4 inches minimum)
2. Two large gauze pads (8 x 10 inches minimum)
3. One package of gauze roller bandage (2 inches wide minimum)
4. One box of adhesive bandages
5. Two triangular bandages
6. Wound cleaning agent (sealed moistened towelettes)
7. Scissors
8. Tweezers
9. Splint
10. One blanket
11. Adhesive tape
12. Latex gloves
13. Two elastic wraps
14. Resuscitation equipment (resuscitation bag, airway, or pocket mask)
15. Instructions for requesting emergency assistance

In an emergency situation, you have to act quickly, so it is vitally important to be familiar with your first aid kit and know what to use for different kinds of injuries. Call our product experts for additional information about first aid kits: 800-829-9580.