Although no one can foresee workplace accidents and injuries, too often they occur when you least expect. In order to be as prepared as possible, it’s important to understand what supplies should comprise the first aid kits in your workplace. While each industry requires its own specific items, every workplace first aid kit should have a minimum set of standard components, according to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), which is approved by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
In most cases, when serious injuries occur at work, the best plan is to call 911 and monitor the injured party until paramedics arrive, but when minor or intermediate injuries occur, it’s possible to administer the proper first aid with the right equipment. Does your workplace have an ANSI compliant first aid kit?
Below are the first aid supplies a first aid kit must have to be considered ANSI compliant:
1 absorbent compress, 32 square inch with no side smaller than 4 inches- 16 adhesive bandages, 1 inch by 3 inches
- 1 adhesive tape, 3/8 inch by 2.5 yards total
- 6 antibiotic treatments, .14 ounces
- 10 antiseptic, .14 fluid ounces application
- 6 burn treatment, 1/32 ounce preparation
- 1 first-aid guide
- 2 pairs of medical exam gloves
- 4 sterile pads, 3 inches by 3 inches
- 1 triangle bandage, 40 inches by 40 inches by 56 inches
ANSI also suggests the following optional first aid supplies:
- Non-drowsy analgesic (Advil, Tylenol, Aleve, Aspirin)
- Bandage compresses, various sizes including 2 by 2 inches, 3 by 3 inches and 4 by 4 inches
- Breathing barrier for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- Burn dressing(s), at least 12 square inches
- Cold packs, at least 4 inches by 5 inches
- Eye coverings (eye bandages)
- Eye or skin wash, 4 fluid ounces
- Hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60 percent ethyl alcohol
- Individually packaged roller bandages, at least 2 inches wide and 4 yards long
- OSHA also suggests that an employer consider having an automated external defibrillator (AED).
Not only is it important to have these first aid supplies on hand at your workplace, but it is also essential that you keep the kits in easily accessible, well-known locations. In addition, it’s crucial to be aware of how to use these basic first aid supplies. According to the American Red Cross, training employees in first aid is a good idea. Click here to find courses in your area.
Having basic medical supplies in a first aid kit is not a substitute for medical advice or attention. If you have any doubt about the severity of an injury, the best course of action is to call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.
At Knapton, Reade, & Woods, the wellbeing of you and your employees is important to us. For additional safety tips and other valuable resources, please read our blog, or visit us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+.
