This document provides general information about a safety and health topic and is only intended for use in facilitating discussions with employees in safety meetings. It does not address all hazards, OSHA or local requirements related to the topic or accompanying photograph. This document cannot be relied on to determine whether a site specific situation meets all safety and health requirements.
First Aid Kits
No one can predict when and where an accident will occur. Because of this, you should be familiar with where the first aid kits are located on your jobsite. The OSHA regulations require your employer to have readily available first aid supplies. The first aid kits and supplies provided by your employer must be appropriately stocked for the type of hazards you and your co-workers are most likely to face.
What should be included in the first aid kit?
An example of the minimal contents of a generic first aid kit is described in American National Standard (ANSI) Z308.1-1978
Minimum Requirements for Industrial Unit-Type First-aid Kits. The contents of the kit listed in the ANSI standard should be adequate for small work sites. When larger operations or multiple operations are being conducted at the same location, your employer should determine the need for:
*additional first aid kits at the worksite,
*additional types of first aid equipment and supplies, and
*varying the quantity of equipment and supplies to be placed in each first aid kit.
Keeping the first aid kit up-to-date
If you realize that there are certain items that are not included in your jobsite first aid kit, let your employer know about it. That way, your employer can get it added to the kit. Also, if it is reasonably anticipated you will be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials while using first-aid supplies, your employer should provide personal protective equipment (PPE). Appropriate PPE includes gloves, gowns, face shields, masks and eye protection.
Restocking your first aid kits
If, when using a first aid kit, you notice that a specific first aid item is getting low or is gone make your employer aware of this. That way, the first aid kit will always be stocked with enough of the needed supplies and equipment.
What about over-the-counter medicines (OTCs) in the kits?
If your employer decides to include OTCs in your jobsite first aid kits, you must be aware of the potential problems you may encounter when using these types of medicines. Drowsiness, overdosing, and allergic reactions could affect your reaction time, judgement, and reasoning.
Remember, the first aid kits supplied by your employer are there for your benefit. Removing the supplies for non-work related uses can have serious consequences when a real emergency occurs.
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