What Should Be in My Workplace First Aid Kit?

Every workplace should have a first aid kit in a location that is easily accessible to all employees. This is required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Certain industries have specific requirements for their first aid kits. In large buildings, such as workplaces with multiple levels or vast layouts, it is best to have multiple first aid kits so there is always one nearby when an accident occurs, no matter where in the building it occurs.

When a workplace accident results in an injury, get out the first aid kit to address the injury immediately. This might be to stop the victim's bleeding or to apply an antiseptic ointment and a bandage. Never assume that first aid is an acceptable substitute for actual medical care – it is merely a first step to aid the victim in the moments after his or her injury.

Unless your company is required to stock an industry-specific first aid kit, it must stock a basic first aid kit that includes the following items:

• One triangular bandage 40in x 40in x 56in;
• At least 10 0.14 fluid ounce packets of antiseptic solution;
• At least 16 1in x 3in adhesive bandages;
• At least one 34 sq in absorbent compress with no side smaller than four inches;
• At least six applications of 0.14 fluid ounce burn treatments;
• One roll of adhesive tape, at least five yards long;
• At least two pairs of medical examination gloves; and
• At least four 3in x 3in sterile pads.

Check your first aid kit regularly to ensure that it is fully stocked and that the liquids have not expired or leaked out of their containers. During routine safety meetings, discuss the proper use of each item in the first aid kit and make sure all employees are aware of the location of each first aid kit in your building. Administering first aid after an accident is a team effort.

Although these items are not required by law to be part of your workplace first aid kit, including them is always a good idea:

• An eye patch;
• One ounce of eye wash;
• A CPR barrier device;
• Multiple roller bandages in varied sizes;
• Multiple bandage compresses in varied sizes; and
• At least one chemical cold pack.

First aid can be an important first step in containing an injury after an accident, but in most cases, the victim needs to seek medical attention from a doctor in order to treat the injury properly and make a full recovery. If you are in this position, get the medical help you need before you consider filing a workplace injury claim. Then, contact our team of workplace accident lawyers at Corsiglia, McMahon, & Allard, L.L.P. to set up your initial consultation in our office. We proudly serve clients throughout the Bay Area, San Mateo County, Alameda County, San Benito County, Monterey County, and Santa Clara County.

• Osha Compliance For First Aid In The Workplace
• First Aid