Are you are wondering what OSHA might say about your first aid supplies? Lets take a brief look at these common questions:

• Who is OSHA?
• What are your obligations as an employer?
• What supplies am I required to keep?

Who is OSHA?

OSHA is the Occupational Health & Safety Administration - is a sub-agency of the US Department of Labor. It issues standards to segments of the work force and polices these regulations with a staff of inspectors who make periodic work site checks. The purpose of these standards is to insure workplace safety. OSHA is the “enforcer“.

Business can be inspected to ensure the health & safety of each and every employee. With reference to “First Aid”, OSHA does have guidelines for first aid supplies established and will require that they are met.

What are your obligations as an employer?

For the sake of time, here are some basic points that will help you understand your obligation as an employer.

• Adequate first aid supplies shall be readily available -

OSHA says: “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”

• Adequately trained people should be available to render first aid -

OSHA says: “a person or persons shall be adequately trained to render first aid. Adequate first aid supplies shall be readily available.” This rule applies to treatment of minor injuries that occur in the workplace.

What supplies am I required to keep?

OSHA does not have a minimum requirement, but references ANSI Z308.1-2003 Minimum Requirements for Workplace First Aid Kits. According to the ANSI document, a basic workplace first aid kit should include:

• absorbent compress, 32 sq. in. (81.3 sq. cm.) with no side smaller than 4 in. (10 cm)
• adhesive bandages, 1 in. x 3 in. (2.5 cm x 7.5 cm)
• adhesive tape, 5 yd.
  (457.2 cm) total
• antiseptic, 0.5g (0.14 fl oz.) applications
• burn treatments, 0.5 g (0.14 fl. oz.)
• medical exam gloves (latex or non-latex)
• sterile pads, 3 in. x 3 in. (7.5 x 7.5 cm)
• triangular bandage, 40 in. x 40 in. x 56 in. (101 cm x 101 cm x 142 cm)

There are other items that are recommended by ANSI and should also be considered. 

• Analgesic/Pain Reliever (i.e. Tylenol, Aspirin) 
• Antibiotic Treatment, 1/32 Oz
• Bandage Compress, 2" X 36"
• Bandage Compress, 3" X 36" 
• Bandage Compress, 4" X 36" 
• Breathing Barrier 
• Burn Dressing, 4" X 4" 
• Cold Pack, 4" X 5"
• Eye Covering, 2.9 sq. Inches per Eye
• Eye Wash, 1 Oz. 
• Roller Bandage, 4" X 6 Yards 
• Roller Bandage, 2" X 6 Yards