Head–aches, cuts, choking, burns, eye abrasions, breaks, and even strokes or heart attacks are just some of the emergencies that could occur one day at your company.
The importance of first aid
As an employer, you must be prepared because "prompt, properly administered first aid care can mean the difference between life and death, rapid versus prolonged recovery, and temporary versus permanent disability."1
Having a first aid kit (which you keep fully stocked) is a simple and affordable step to creating a safer workplace.
Pre-assembled kits
A pre–assembled first aid kit will take the guesswork out of providing the right supplies — and enough of them. These kits come with some combination of adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment, burn cream, alcohol pads, cold packs, gauze, eye patches, eye wash, antiseptic wipes, gloves, scissors, inhalants, tape, pain relievers, tweezers, forceps, a first aid guide, and more.
Pre–assembled kits are available in a variety of sizes and most are mountable, wall storage units. The size you’ll need to purchase depends on the number of people you employ.| Kit size | Ideal for |
| 70–piece kit | 1 to 9 employees |
| 119–piece kit | 10 to 15 employees |
| 300–piece kit | 25 to 50 employees |
| Industrial 50+ | More than 50 employees |
| Industrial 100+ | More than 100 employees |
If your office occupies more than one floor, consider buying several smaller kits and installing one on each floor. Be sure to place your first aid kits in common areas (for example your breakroom, cafeteria, or outside of the restrooms, etc.) so all employees can easily access the supplies.
Finally, don't forget to monitor your kit and refill it as needed. Refills for most first aid supplies are available in a size that will fit right into your kit.
Assemble your own kit
Though not nearly as hassle–free or precise, you could also assemble your own kit. Firstaidweb.com recommends filling it with the following supplies.
- Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
- Sterile gauze pads in assorted sizes
- Band–Aids & Bandages
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Needle
- Ace bandage and safety pins
- Antibacterial ointment
- Thermometer
- Tongue blades
- Splints in assorted sizes
- Petroleum jelly
- Antibacterial soap
- Latex gloves
- Face mask
- Sunscreen
- Aspirin and/or ibuprofen
- Ice pack
Trained first aid provider
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) "requires that in the absence of an infirmary, clinic, or hospital near the workplace, a person or persons must be adequately trained to render first aid."2 How far away readily–available medical assistance is will determine if have to train one or more of your employees as a certified first–aid provider.| Type of injury | Time to nearest medical assistance |
| Life threatening | 3 to 4 minutes |
| Non–life threatening | 15 minutes |
Be sure your staff knows who is trained in first aid and how to reach this person during an emergency.
An ounce of prevention
To minimize the use of your first aid kit, carefully assess your workplace. Take precautions to insure that your employees will not be exposed to or harmed by chemical splashes, contact with toxic materials or gases, flying objects or particles, fire or electrical hazards, workplace violence, and other potential dangers.
If you’re not sure how to evaluate your workplace, OSHA offers free on–site consultations. "Primarily developed for smaller employers with more hazardous operations, the consultation service is delivered by state governments employing professional safety consultants and health consultants. Comprehensive assistance includes an appraisal of all mechanical systems, physical work practices, and environmental hazards of the workplace and all aspects of the employer's present job safety and health program. This program is completely separate from OSHA's inspection efforts. No penalties are proposed or citations issued for any safety or health problems identified by the consultant. The service is confidential."2 For more information, contact your local OSHA office.
Finally, don't forget to display all required federal and state postings and mandatory notices in a place where all of your employees will see them.
1Guidelines for First Aid Programs, OSHA Instruction, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, CPL 2–2.53, January 7, 1991.
2Clarification of 1910.151 (Medical Services and First Aid), OSHA Instruction, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 04/18/2002 3Emergency Preparedness and Response, Occupational Health and Safety Administration, http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/smallbusiness/sec10.html#Free%20On–Site%20Consultation
