First Aid Kits

First-aid Boxes: What You Need to Know

Necessary in a plethora of environments, first-aid kits consist of basic medical supplies designed to be used for immediate treatment of injuries. They can be used to treat cuts, scrapes, burns, and other types of injuries. Many facilities are mandated by federal law to have first-aid supplies on site. OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, outlines what should be kept in first-aid boxes. Commercial first-aid kits can be used in offices, restaurants, and healthcare facilities. Depending on the size of your business, you may have to keep multiple kits or be stocked with two or more first-aid supplies. In the section below, we'll answer commonly asked questions regarding first-aid kits and other supplies.

Common Questions About First-aid Kits

What comes in a first-aid kit?

The supplies in your first-aid box are meant for treating minor injuries. The amount of supplies in your kit will vary based on the specific amount of employees you have. However, there are some basic first-aid supplies that OSHA requires you have on hand including:

• Gauze pads measuring at least 4 x 4 inches
• Two Large gauze pads measuring at least 8 x 10 inches
• Box adhesive bandages, two triangular bandages, and a gauze roller bandages measuring at least 2 inches wide
• A wound cleaning agent
• Scissors, tweezers, and adhesive tape
• Latex gloves
• Two elastic wraps and a splint
• At least one blanket
• Resuscitation equipment
• Directions for requesting emergency assistance

Other supplies you may need include:

• Moistened towelettes
• Sting-relief wipes
• Eye irrigation solution
• Eye pads
• Cotton balls or cotton swabs

Why do you need first-aid supplies?

A first-aid kit is necessary for a variety of reasons. A first responder is not always available, and many places don't have their own healthcare facilities; it's wise to have first-aid supplies on hand so you can immediately treat injuries. It is also important to stop any bleeding resulting from an injury as soon as possible, which means bandages and gauze are vital in any establishment. Since businesses are required to have these supplies by law, not having an office first-aid kit could lead to a lawsuit. Restaurant first-aid kits are especially important as injuries in the kitchen happen more frequently than at other establishments. Keeping your employees safe is extremely important, so you should ensure your first-aid kit is stocked with the proper supplies.

What facilities should have first-aid boxes?

Any place of employment should have a first-aid kit on hand. Office first-aid kits and restaurant first-aid kits are required by law for treating employees' minor injuries. Restaurants require first-aid boxes to treat injuries that may occur during the preparation, cooking, or serving processes. Restaurant workers are particularly vulnerable to being cut or burned in the workplace. Warehouse employees are also susceptible to injuries, and commercial first-aid kits can help treat falls and cuts. Even businesses with few employees are required to have a first-aid kit available, so you should ensure you are stocked with the right amount of first-aid supplies. Offices should also be equipped with office first-aid kits, so they can be prepared for any cuts or scrapes that may occur in an office environment.