What to stock in a workplace first aid cabinet

What To Stock In A Workplace First Aid Cabinet

A well-stocked first aid cabinet is an indispensable requirement for any workplace, ensuring the safety and well-being of employees in case of accidents or injuries. However, different work environments have unique first aid requirements, and it’s crucial to understand these requirements to comply with regulations and have adequate supplies available.

Below we outline the essential items your workplacFirst Aid Repe first aid cabinet should include, ensuring sufficient supplies for your workforce and creating a safer work environment.

Basic First Aid Supplies

Every workplace, whether a small automotive shop or a large manufacturing facility, should have a solid foundation of basic first aid supplies.

Not only does this show you care for your employees’ safety and well-being, but it also keeps your workplace in compliance with safety regulations, such as the OSHA standard 1910.151. This standard states, “The employer shall ensure the ready availability of medical personnel for advice and consultation on matters of plant health.”

The most basic first aid supplies that should be stocked in every cabinet include (but are not limited to):

  • Adhesive bandages: In assorted sizes to cover minor cuts, abrasions, or blisters.
  • Sterile gauze pads: For deeper wound cleaning and proper dressing.
  • Medical tape: To secure dressings in place.
  • Antibiotic ointment: To help prevent infections in minor cuts.
  • Antiseptic wipes: For disinfecting wounds.
  • Disposable CPR mask: Vital for providing respiratory protection during emergencies.
  • Cold compress: To provide relief for inflammatory injuries.

Wound Care Supplies

Workplaces with a higher risk of cuts, punctures, or other injuries require additional wound care supplies. This category may include:

  • Sterile eye pads & eyewash solution: For immediate eye irrigation in case of chemical exposure or foreign objects.
  • Burn gel: To soothe and cool minor burns.
  • Burn dressings: Specialized dressings for thermal or chemical burns.
  • Bandage Protectant/Finger Cots: For immobilizing and protecting fractures or sprains until professional help arrives.

Additional Supplies

Additional supplies like over-the-counter (OTC) medications and industry-specific PPE are also generally included in a workplace first aid cabinet. Some recommended items are:

  • Pain relievers: Such as ibuprofen, to alleviate minor aches and pains.
  • Nitrile exam gloves: To protect and empower your team to provide first aid in emergencies.
  • Scissors and tweezers: For cutting tape or removing splinters.
  • Automated External Defibrillator (AED): For cardiac emergencies.

First Aid KitDiscover the hassle-free solution to ensure your first aid supplies are always fully stocked! With Plymate’s convenient first-aid replenishment programs, we take care of monitoring your cabinet supply levels on a weekly or biweekly basis, ensuring timely restocking whenever needed. Download our first aid flier here, then contact a Plymate representative to get started today!