Safety First Always The Complete List of Workplace First Aid Kit Essentials

A workplace first aid kit is absolutely necessary for every workplace to have, from office buildings to construction sites and beyond.

Many business owners and managers, however, forget this critical safety essential. Still, others have a small first aid kit but don’t check and restock it, meaning when an emergency occurs in your workplace, you won’t have what you need to keep your employees safe.

Keep reading to learn what should be in your workplace first aid kit today!

What Should Be in Your Workplace First Aid Kit

Basic first aid contents should be at the top of your list when you’re creating a first aid kit for your workplace.

In some cases, you can buy premade first aid kits that have these standard supplies, and as you run out you can buy first aid kit refills to restock them.

Every first aid kit should have, at minimum:

  • A reference chart on treating minor injuries using the contents of the kit
  • A contents list for easy finding in a crisis
  • Sterile gauze dressings in small, medium, and large sizes
  • Individually wrapped bandages
  • Safety pins
  • Triangular bandages
  • Sterile eye pads
  • Antiseptic and cleansing wipes
  • Fabric and adhesive tapes
  • Disposable gloves (avoid latex)
  • Alcohol and alcohol-free wipes
  • Dressings for burns
  • Finger splints
  • Eyewash
  • A face shield
  • Distilled water
  • Cotton-tipped swabs and tweezers
  • Crepe-style rolled bandages
  • Scissors
  • Antibacterial ointment

Additional items to add to a first aid kit include medications like NSAIDs and anti-diarrheals, CPR helpers like masks, and trauma aids like one-time use ice packs.

Your first aid kit should be checked yearly and expired items should be disposed of and replaced.

Special Requirements for First Aid Kits

Some workplaces need special equipment because of their nature.

A construction first aid kit, for instance, needs additional equipment that an office building might not. Additional trauma equipment and blood cleanup kits, for instance, are recommended because of common construction site injuries. The kit itself should also be housed in a heavy-duty case that can take being hauled around from job to job without damaging the contents inside.

A restaurant first aid kit might include additional supplies for common injuries to kitchen staff, including burns and cuts.

Additionally, you can also choose to beef up your standard workplace first aid kit with advanced first aid equipment like an AED machine, blood pressure cuff, and stethoscope among others. Remember, the more prepared you are in case of an emergency, the less liability you’ll have in case of a major accident.

Creating Your First Aid Kit

Creating your workplace first aid kit doesn’t have to be hard or time-consuming. In many cases, you can find acceptable pre-made versions that will cover all your basic needs.

Make sure to check and refill necessary supplies monthly, and do an annual check of supplies to replace expired ones. Consider electing a safety officer who can ensure this job is done regularly to keep your workplace safe.

Looking for more information articles on topics like these? Check out the rest of this blog for more!

Roman

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