First Aid and Emergency Supplies

by | Oct 19, 2019 | Safety, Toolbox Talk

Injuries in the workplace are a common occurrence. According to the National Safety Council, a worker is injured every 7 seconds, which is approximately 510 workers per hour. The most common types of injuries are cuts, lacerations, sprains, strains, and pain. OSHA does not endorse any first aid kit with certification. However, Federal OSHA Regulation Standards follow 29 CFR 1910.151(b) that states, “adequate first aid supplies should be readily available”, and recommends the minimum requirement for first aid kits and quantity of supplies as listed by ANSI Z 308.1. Following these guidelines will assure there will be an adequate assortment of supplies available to meet the needs of most types of injuries.

Discussion Points:
• Common injuries in the workplace.
• The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) classifies first aid kits as types I, II, III, and IV.
• ANSI color codes supplies making it easier to recognize items in the case of an emergency.
• Supplies for the first aid kit ensure that supplies meet both OSHA Regulations and ANSI
Standard Requirements for the size and number in your company.

Discussion:
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) classifies first aid kits as ANSI Type I, II, III, IV, and the content that makes up the kit is referred to as Unitized-Fill and follows color standardization to make it easier to recognize various items quickly in the case of an emergency. The ANSI color coding is as follows: Blue – antiseptics and ointments, Yellow – bandages, compresses, and gauzes, Red – burn treatment, Orange – PPE, gloves and CPR products, Green – miscellaneous items including tape, cold compresses, insect sting relief, ammonia inhalants, Aspirin, eye-care products and blankets.

All employees should know the location of the first aid kits in the case of an emergency. Supplies in a first aid kit should include, gauze pads, adhesive bandages, gauze roller bandage, triangular bandages, wound cleaning agents, scissors, tweezers, adhesive tape latex gloves, resuscitation equipment, elastic wraps, splints, blankets, and directions for requesting emergency assistance.

As always, be safe out there!