Tips for making sure your workplace first-aid kit is up to code.
Since 2008, first-aid kits have grown in every aspect. “They’re larger, more diverse and have things they didn’t have before,” says Jeff Cohen, product manager at MSC Industrial Supply. “Kits today can handle a wider variety of problems.” Cohen reminds managers that workplaces are unique and that every kit should be stocked according to their individual needs as long as the kits meet the standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
Whether it’s a restaurant or a welding shop, here are some expert tips to better prepare your workplace’s first-aid kit. The list includes a few new items (e.g., roller bandages and splints) and a few staples (e.g., adhesive bandages).
ALWAYS
Five first-aid essentials for every job site.
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Adhesive Bandages
The most-used item when it comes worksite injuries. Every first-aid kit should have more adhesive bandages than anything else.
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Antibiotic Application
A top-used item, applicable to everything from paper cuts to burn treatment.
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Antiseptic
A must for anyone treating an injury. This helps reduce the risk of infection.
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Burn Treatment
New “burn packs” have supplies to treat large and small burns. If you work in a place where burns are possible, consider a full kit devoted to burns.
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Medical Exam Gloves
The best guard against infection and bacteria. They should be worn by anyone treating any skin injury.
SPECIALTY
Because manufacturing job sites have higher rates of injury, first-aid kits must be modified. These three items help treat serious injury.
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Splint
For setting broken bones before the professionals arrive.
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Tourniquet
To slow or stop bleeding from a laceration, a danger when working with heavy machinery.
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2- and 4-Inch Roller Bandages
For dressing deeper or larger skin injuries.
TIPS
Remember these tactics to keep your first-aid kit in top order.
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Security Check
Don’t store medications of any kind in a kit that’s open and accessible to everyone in the workplace.
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Temperature Control
Don’t store the kit near moisture or extreme heat or cold.
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Frequent Inspections
Check it regularly to make sure it’s orderly and nothing’s missing.
Workplaces have never been safer. According to the Department of Labor, fewer people have been hurt on the job every year, with the exception of 2012, for the past decade. Preparation is part of prevention, and an essential tool in job safety.
For a complete overview of the ANSI first-aid kit guidelines and details on quantities of each of these items for Class A and Class B kits, contact your MSC supplier.
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Please email me with a list of items for a first aid kit of a welding workshop
22Could you please email me a list of supplies that I should have in an Leasing Office of Apartments?
19This article should be a good start, but it does depend on your environment and needs:
https://www.mscdirect.com/betterMRO/class-vs-class-b-first-aid-kits-whic...
19Please email me a list of supplies needed for a hurricane or natural disaster!
Thank you very much!
23It made sense when you said that medical exam gloves can effectively protect skin from bacteria and other infections. I want to get medical supplies and make a first aid kit to keep in my car to make sure I'm prepared for any emergency situation I encounter. Thanks for teaching me these essential elements an effective first aid kit needs to include! https://safetynjfirstaidkits.com
24Please email me a list of required contents for a first aid kit for a small rural fire department. We are NOT first responders however we do respond to 911 calls and often arrive before the first responders do because of our remote location. 4 of us have our Occupational First Aid Level 1 certificates.
19The contents of your first aid kit is going to depend on your individual needs at the fire house. Here is another article you can find additional information in: https://www.mscdirect.com/betterMRO/class-vs-class-b-first-aid-kits-whic...
24List of items needed in a Boatyard workshop's first aid kit. Thank you!
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