Would OSHA Approve of Your Worksite First-Aid Kit?

When was the last time you checked your company’s first-aid kits? Are they fully stocked with supplies? Do you know where they’re located? If you’re finding it difficult to answer any of these questions, perhaps it’s a good time to assess how compliant your company’s first-aid kits are with OSHA standards.

What needs to be in my worksite first-aid kit?

Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer to this. OSHA’s Medical and First Aid standards state that employers need to have “adequate first aid supplies” readily available in the workplace. However, it does not supply a definition or checklist of what supplies are considered “adequate” nor does it establish the meaning of the phrase “readily available”– which can leave many employers confused about what their obligations are when it comes to first aid kits.

In building a first-aid kit and determining its accessibility, OSHA recommends that employers conduct a workplace assessment to get a better idea of how to address first-aid needs in their workplace. Some factors to consider include (but are not limited to) work processes that may cause injury or illness to employees, types of accidents that have occurred in the past (as well as those likely to be experienced in the future), and certain occupational hazards of the worksite.

As a guideline, employers can refer to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z308.1, which provides a list of basic first-aid supplies that are considered adequate for most small worksites. Again, additional equipment, supplies, and quantities may be required for employers with larger and/or multiple operations or for those who have changing or growing first-aid needs.

Three takeaways to keep in mind

• Review OSHA 300 Logs – These, along with OSHA 301 forms and worker’s compensation reports, provide useful information about the types of injuries and illnesses experienced (and therefore reasonably anticipated) in your workplace.
• Designate an individual to handle compliance – Chances are you have a lot on your plate, but letting simple compliance issues, like outdated or inadequate first-aid kits, fall through the cracks can be costly. Appoint someone to restock all first-aid kits and replace any expired contents.
• Account for state-specific regulations – In addition to complying with OSHA’s first-aid requirements, employers must also abide by individual state regulations which may impose added, and in many cases stricter obligations. To get more information, consult with the Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Division (HIOSH).

Accidents are just that – accidents. While employees don’t intend to get hurt on the job, it’s unrealistic to expect accidents not to happen. OSHA standards do not require specific first-aid kit contents and compliance is measured on a case-by-case basis. However, this does not exempt your responsibility as an employer to provide employees with a safe, hazard-free workplace. Taking the necessary steps to ensure your company’s first-aid kits are in-line and reflective of your company worksite is beneficial for the well-being of your employees and for your company’s bottom line.

ALTRES has an entire department dedicated to risk management and injury prevention and we offer consultation services for OSHA compliance. If you have questions or concerns about your worksite first-aid kit, contact us to learn how we can help.

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Readers should first consult their attorney, accountant or advisor before acting upon any information in this article.