First Aid Kits in the Workplace
Workplace accidents can occur in any industry at any time. According to the National Safety Council, one worker is injured every seven seconds in the United States. The most common injuries are slips, trips, falls, sprains, and strains from over exertion.
An essential step in handling an injury is to have a first aid kit on site to provide the worker with immediate treatment.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires all businesses to have and monitor first aid kits that address their workers’ safety needs.
A first aid kit on-site enables you to:
- Treat the injury quickly
- Help prevent further complications
- Relieve pain and discomfort
There are two classes of first aid kits — “A” for companies with 40 or fewer employees and industries that are low-impact and low-risk; and “B” for high-risk industries such as construction sites, warehouses, and manufacturers.
According to OSHA, all first aid kits should at least include:
- Adhesive bandages and tape
- Directions for requesting emergency assistance
- Elastic wrap bands
- Foil blanket
- Gauze pads
- Latex gloves
- Medical tape
- Resuscitation equipment
- Roller bandages
- Scissors and tweezers
- Splint
- Triangular bandages
- Wound cleaning agent
OSHA also recommends that you train employees to administer first aid — including CPR — until emergency services arrive. Designate an employee to inspect first aid kits monthly to replace used or dated supplies.
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