“In the absence of an infirmary, clinic or hospital in near proximity to the workplace which is used for the treatment of all injured employees, a person or persons shall be adequately trained to render first aid. Adequate first aid supplies shall be readily available.”
This wording comes directly from OSHA, in its medical service and first aid standard (29 CFR 1910.151). However, agency standards don’t list specific contents for first aid kits. OSHA guidance merely reiterates that supplies must be adequate and reflect common injuries related to the work environment. Kits must be stored in an easily accessible area in case of emergency.
So, which supplies should be in your kit?
OSHA cites the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) standard Z308.1 as a recommended, non-mandatory source of guidance for minimum first aid kit requirements.
The ANSI/ISEA standard doesn’t allow for assembling supplies piecemeal to create a compliant kit (storing supplies in a first aid closet for example will not equate to a first aid kit). Workers may not subtract from the minimum kit requirements, but can add to it based on work environment.
A revision to the standard, ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2015, took effect in June 2016 and introduced two classes of first aid kits based on the quantity and assortment of supplies. “Class A” kits generally are suitable for all wounds, minor burns and eye injuries. “Class B” kits are designed to treat injuries more often found in densely populated workplaces with complex and/or high-risk environments, such as warehouses, factories and outdoor areas.
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) may have released updated guidelines for the minimum requirements of first aid kits since 2015. Below is a summary of recent changes:
Summary:
Introduction of two classes of first aid kits, based on the assortment and quantity of first aid supplies and range of injury types likely to exist (common workplace vs. higher risk).
Introduction of designated "Types" (I, II, III, or IV) of first aid kits depending on work environment in which they are to be used.
The emphasis on unitized "color-coded" refill supplies has been de-emphasized in 2015 and instead focus is on contents of the kit.
When deciding the CLASS and TYPE of kit that may be most appropriate, employers should consider the risks that are present and the potential severity and likelihood of a first aid incident at a location.
If you would like further information on these changes or post 2015 changes, please complete the form below. You will receive an email with details on what has changed, including kit items and types. A first aid program representative will also follow up with you within 3-5 business days. Please feel free to call us at 319-377-5125 with any questions as well from 8-5pm Central US Time.