How to Determine the Number of First Aid Kits Needed in the Workplace?

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Every employer has the basic responsibility to take care of the safety and health of employees and one of the remedies to prevent injuries at work is to have a sufficient number of well stocked first aid kits available in close proximity. The workplace, the number of employees and any relevant safety laws are some of the factors that will determine how many kits will be appropriate. The aim of this article is to assist the reader in determining the needs of first aid kits, their moveable contents, the location of the kits and how these kits are managed.


Factors Determining the Number of First Aid Kits

  1. Workplace Type
    • Office Environments: Generally low-risk, requiring fewer kits equipped with basic supplies.
    • Construction Sites: High-risk environments may demand more kits with specialized items such as trauma dressings and burn treatments.
    • Manufacturing Facilities: Risks like machinery-related injuries necessitate multiple kits with advanced first aid tools.
  2. Number of Employees
    • As a general rule, one first aid kit is recommended for every 25 employees in low-risk environments.
    • For high-risk environments, one kit per 10 employees may be necessary.
  3. Workplace Size and Layout
    • Larger or multi-story workplaces may require kits on each floor or designated zones to ensure accessibility.
  4. Regulatory Standards
    • U.S. (OSHA): Compliance with OSHA’s standard 1910.151 for workplace first aid requirements.
    • U.K. (HSE): Adherence to guidelines outlined in HSE’s First Aid at Work regulations.
    • Other Countries: Refer to local regulations to ensure compliance.

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Example Scenarios

  1. 20-Person Office
    • Recommended: 1-2 basic first aid kits.
    • Contents: Adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, scissors, gloves, and a first aid manual.
    • Placement: Reception area and a common breakroom.
  2. 100-Person Manufacturing Facility
    • Recommended: At least 10 kits with advanced contents.
    • Contents: Trauma dressings, eye wash, burn gel, splints, and emergency blankets.
    • Placement: Distributed evenly across high-risk zones, near machinery, and in a central control room.

Prioritized Contents of Trousses de premiers secours

Must-Have Items:

  1. Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
  2. Sterile gauze pads
  3. Antiseptic wipes and ointments
  4. Disposable gloves (nitrile or latex)
  5. Scissors and tweezers
  6. CPR face shield or mask
  7. First aid manual

Optional Items:

  1. Eye wash solution
  2. Burn treatments (e.g., burn gel or dressings)
  3. Cold packs
  4. Splints and slings
  5. Emergency blankets
  6. Over-the-counter medications (e.g., pain relievers, antihistamines)

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Placement and Management of First Aid Kits

  1. Placement Guidelines
    • Ensure kits are visible, accessible, and clearly marked.
    • Position kits in areas with higher risks, such as near machinery or chemical storage.
    • Install kits on every floor in multi-story buildings.
  2. Management Strategies
    • Assign a responsible individual or team to oversee maintenance and restocking.
    • Conduct regular inspections to ensure kits are complete and items are within expiration dates.
    • Train employees on the proper use of first aid supplies and procedures.

Conclusion

The number and type of first aid kits required in a workplace would depend on the risks, size of the workplace and the workforce available. Employers have no choice but to take these issues into account as well as other regulations so as to enhance the safety of their employees. There are also other factors that go beyond the legal minimum, such as the availability of properly stocked and strategically located first aid kits, which along with proper placement of staff leads to a safer workplace.

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