Accidents Happen: Is Your First-Aid Kit Up to the Challenge?

hen it comes to first aid, workplaces vary widely in their type and degree of potential hazards, the number of staff trained in first-aid techniques, and the availability of professional medical services. They can also differ as to whether their required first-aid kits are appropriately stocked. What’s one reason for this last discrepancy? Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards – including the Medical Services and First Aid standards found in both general industry (1910.151) and construction industry (1926.50) regulations – do not require specific contents for first-aid kits.

However, for those employers wishing to standardize their kits, OSHA references the First Aid Kit ANSI Z308.1 standard as a guide. This sixth revision of the voluntary industry consensus standard (ANSI Z308.1-2021) became effective in October 2022 and reference two classes of first aid kits: Class A kits contain supplies for the most common types of workplace injuries, and Class B kits contain supplies for more complex or high-risk environments. (See table, next.)

Workplaces which follow this standard will be able to build first-aid kits that provide a basic range of products to deal with most types of injuries encountered in most facilities. However, all facilities should review the following questions to determine their specific needs:

1. Are a sufficient number of kits available? Even small workplaces may require multiple first-aid kits depending on the ease of access to the kit within the site.
2. Are first-aid kits placed in appropriate areas throughout the worksite? Kits should be placed near areas where hazards are more likely to occur, but other areas may require kits to be nearby.
3. Do the first-aid kits include all of the necessary materials for the particular site? Depending on the type of work being performed and hazard potentials, additional types of equipment/supplies may be needed.

If uncertain about answers to the above situations, OSHA recommends consulting with appropriate medical and/or emergency personnel to assess your facility’s specific requirements. For more information, check out OSHA’s Best Practices Guide: Fundamentals of a Workplace First-Aid Program.