The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires businesses to have first aid supplies available. The specific types and quantities of supplies that companies should have on hand and where they should be stored are left to the discretion of individual employers.
Figure out What Your Company Needs
The type of business you operate will influence the types of first aid supplies you’ll need. Employees at an office are much less likely to get injured than people who work in maintenance or construction. If your employees face serious hazards on a daily basis, you’ll need more first aid supplies and different types of supplies than a low-risk workplace would require.
All first aid kits should contain basic supplies, such as bandages in assorted sizes, antiseptic cream, hot and cold packs, and over-the-counter pain relievers. If your employees face specific dangers on the job, figure out which supplies they might need to deal with related injuries.
CPR equipment, such as face shields, should be included in any first aid kit. If your business is not located within a few minutes of a hospital, consider purchasing an automated external defibrillator (AED). An employee will be able to use it to deliver an electric shock to a person who has suffered cardiac arrest in the critical moments before paramedics arrive. Providing care quickly can dramatically increase the victim’s chance of survival and reduce the risk of permanent disability.
Decide Where to Put First Aid Kits
Where first aid supplies should be located will depend on the nature of your business and the layout of the building. First aid kits and cabinets should be in places where they will be easily accessible. In a large building, there should be several kits or cabinets placed in strategic locations so that an employee will never have to travel far to access first aid supplies in an emergency.
UniShield sells first aid kits and cabinets in a variety of sizes because we realize that businesses have different needs. Whether you require supplies to treat specific types of injuries that your workers may encounter on the job or you operate a low-risk business and just need a kit with basic supplies, you can find what you need. Figure out what types of supplies your business requires and how many kits or cabinets would be appropriate, look through our selection of first aid supplies, and place an order today.