First aid kits have come a long way. They are more specific and specialized than ever before. First aid kits save lives, and the difference between having the right one on hand versus the wrong one, or no kit at all, can make all the difference in the world.

 

What Types of First Aid Kits Are There?

 

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) have set the Workplace First Aid Kits and Supplies standards. The standards outline two classes of first-aid kits: Class A kits and Class B kits.

 

 

The Right First Aid Kits Save Lives and Time

 

Emergency preparedness is crucial to workplace safety. So having the right first aid kit in the case of an emergency is critical. Accidents do happen, and no matter the number of employees you have, it’s mandatory to have a first aid kit to be prepared for the unfortunate consequence of a workplace injury and having the right first aid kit versus the wrong or no kit can mean the difference between life and death or a speedy recovery versus incurring a lifelong injury.

 

Minimize the Impact of Accidents

 

First aid kits can dramatically mitigate serious injury by either providing sufficient medical care until professional medical care arrives or handling the situation entirely for more minor injuries.

It's essential to assess the possible dangers your workforce faces and train them for all common scenarios that they may face. Injury readiness starts with knowing what to do and trying to identify the right course of action amid an emergency can make a significant difference.

 

Who Needs to Have a First Aid Kit in Your Facility?

 

The short answer is everyone. Every type of business and home should have a Class A first aid kit readily available. Many trade industries with a higher risk of injury should have Class A, Class B, and specialized kits on hand. Common industries are construction, education, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing and retail. Let’s take a closer look at each industry and break down which first aid kit is right for you.

 

Construction

 

Every job is different, and every crew is a different size. If your construction office is on-site for a large project, a first aid cabinet may be the idea first aid solution you’re looking for. Is your crew on the go a lot? An economical, straightforward, basic first aid kit may be ideal. It’s also important to keep travel first aid kits with your drivers and in all of your vehicles. If your crew is working a big job or high construction, the potential hazards can be more severe. It’s not a bad idea to go the extra mile and be prepared with a trauma kit and a weatherproof kit should you need one. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Every contractor should own a first aid kit to be prepared for all injuries on a job site, and OSHA also requires that adequate first aid supplies be available for employees.

 

 

Education

 

It’s a smart move to be prepared and update classroom first aid kits for more minor cuts and scrapes. Stocking a nurse's office with first aid cabinets for more severe illnesses and injuries is also essential. Please make sure to check the rules and regulations where you live, to be sure that you are permitted to administer first aid.

 

Healthcare

 

If you work in healthcare, you know it’s impossible to know what you’ll be dealing with from one moment to another. There are just too many variables. That’s why it’s important to keep your first aid kits stocked with refills on-hand. Bleeding kits, burn kits, specialty first aid kits, and first responder kits are must-haves. You may even consider a blood pathogen kit. 

 

 

Hospitality

 

Because the public is unpredictable, covering all your bases is essential. Depending on the size of your facility, Class B kits will help protect more people. First aid cabinets on each floor of your building are mainstays. Emergency kits are good to keep in designated areas if someone needs attention in areas outside of your facilities.

 

Manufacturing & Retail

 

Basic first aid kit are a good place to start and you can’t go wrong with first aid cabinets. But manufacturing sites are notorious for a wide range of unfortunate mishaps. Clean-up kits, emergency kits, bleeding kits, burn kits, and trauma kits are essentials.

 

 

SmartCompliance First Aid Kits

 

If you’re looking for complete peace of mind, specialized first aid kits like First Aid OnlyTM SmartCompliance first aid kits are available and are guaranteed by both OSHA & ANSI. SmartCompliance features a SmartTab ezRefill System that visually lets you know when you are running low and allows you to easily reorder and replenish an item. Like any first aid kit, consider whether you’ll need a Class A or a Class B first aid kit for your workplace.

 

Do Your First Aid Kits Meet OSHA and ANSI Requirements?

 

First aid kits minimize or prevent workplace injuries, and they're also your first line of defense from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) violations and lawsuits. OSHA and the American National Standard (ANSI), and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), require minimum supplies readily available to treat injured employees while awaiting medical attention.

 

Key Questions to Ask Yourself:

 

• How many people do you need your first aid kit to cover? Consider your industry and the maximum number of people who would need treatment.
• What about first aid kit placement? Kits should be located in an easily accessible area, and the first aid provider should not have to travel through several doorways, hallways, and stairways to access first aid supplies.
• Disposable kits or replenishable kits? First aid kits are available as a one-time purchase and in small to large refillable cabinets. Depending on the type of activities within your facility, you may need a combination of different kits, each placed adjacent to their corresponding area.

 

Global Industrial Is Your Partner in First Aid and More

 

As a dedicated part and solutions expert, Global Industrial can review any facility or workplace to help you determine how to implement the right first aid kit strategy for your business, including training and which first aid kits are best for you and your employees. Learn more about how we can help ensure your business’s first aid kits meet OSHA and ANSI standards by connecting with one of our Global Industrial sales representatives at 888.978.7759 or contacting us here.

 

The information contained in this article is for informational, educational, and promotional purposes only and is based on information available as of the initial date of publication. It is the reader’s responsibility to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations. If there is any question or doubt in regard to any element contained in this article, please consult a licensed professional.  Under no circumstances will Global Industrial® be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on this article.