Accidents can occur at any time in the workplace.  Have you considered the contents of your first aid kit in your risk assessment?  It is crucial to have a reliable First Aid Kit ready and available for when accidents do happen. While OSHA does not specifically define what is considered adequate the agency does state that the supplies found in the kit should reflect the kind of injuries that occur and that the kit should be stored in an area where it is readily available for emergency access.  In most cases, these are stored in work trucks or individual safety bags.  The consensus standard regarding the minimum contents of a first aid kit for the workplace is described in American National Standards Institute ANSI Z308.1 – 2003, Minimum Requirements for Workplace First Aid Kits. Do your first aid kits meet this standard?

Implementing your first aid kit into your risk assessment can ensure that reasonably anticipated supplies are available to treat most injuries and illnesses that could be expected to occur in the workplace.

Here’s what should be in your job site First Aid Kit pursuant to the ANSI Z308-1 standard for a small workplace:

1 Absorbent Compress 4×8 in. minimum

5 yds. Adhesive Tape

10 Antiseptic applications 0.14 fl. oz. each

6 Burn Treatment applications 1/32 oz. each

4 Sterile Pads 3×3 in. minimum

2 pair Medical Exam Gloves

1 Triangular Bandage 40 x 40 x 56 in. minimum

16 Adhesive bandages 1×3 in

Other items to consider:

Include any personal items such as medications and emergency phone numbers or other items your health-care provider may suggest.

2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)

1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)

1 instant cold compress

2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)

Scissors

1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)

1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)

5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)

Tweezers

Flashlight (Make sure the flashlight batteries work)

Sun Screen

Eye Wash (large bottles)

Employers should periodically reassess the demand for the supplies found in company first aid kits and make a conscious effort to adjust their First Aid Kit inventory accordingly.  And most importantly, check expiration dates and replace any used or out-of-date contents.