A proper first aid kit: the one thing every business needs but hopes never to use. No business owner wants to hear about one of their employees getting injured in any way, but whether you own and operate a steel mill or a corporate office, the chance of injury is always present, and a first aid kit must be available if needed.
Below, we’re going to go over all of the requirements for what must be contained in your company’s first aid kit, as dictated by OSHA.
What is OSHA?
OSHA stands for Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and it’s a fraction of the United States Department of Labor that is in charge of determining what’s required for employee safety in the workplace. Along with the American National Standard Institute, they determine standards of healthy workplaces and conditions in America.
What is a First Aid Kit?
A first aid kit is simply a collection of medical tools and supplies that can be used to treat injuries common in the environment in which they’re kept. This can include burns, cuts, scrapes, sprains, breaks, and a large assortment of other health issues.
What Products Do Businesses Usually Miss?
From the required and enforced list of medical supplies listed below, businesses typically forget to include a blanket, a pocket mask, or other resuscitation devices, and some of the gauze and bandage requirements due to the specific shape or size required by OSHA.
To ensure your business is fully in compliance and provides the necessary equipment for injuries commonly associated with your workspace, contact one of our experts for guidance and a fully stocked kit that includes everything required to give proper care in the case of an emergency and stay within OSHA guidelines.
What First Aid Products Does OSHA Require?
- Gauze pads (both 4”x4” and 8”x10” pads)
- 1 box of bandaids
- Gauze tape at least 2” wide
- 2 triangular bandages
- Alcohol prep pads or other disinfecting pad
- 1 pair of scissors
- 1 blanket
- 1 pair of tweezers
- Adhesive tape
- At least 1 pair of latex gloves
- Pocket mask or other resuscitation devices
- 2 elastic bands
- At least 1 splint
- Directions for calling for emergency medical assistance