5 reasons why a contractor should have a first aid kit

Published: March 19, 2024

If you are a tradesperson working with homeowners, your environment changes every day. Whether you are repairing a hot water tank at a hoarder's home, or repairing an electrical connection behind the entertainment center in a mansion, fluke accidents can happen. This is why every repair person, tradesperson, or contractor should have a well-stocked first aid kit available. Think of the types of on-the-job injuries you have experienced in the past. Keeping a first aid kit with you is wise, given the potential for injuries in your line of work. If you're a professional tradesperson, you know your responsibility to be safe and prepared at work every day. Consider these 5 reasons why a tradesperson like you should always have a first aid kit on hand.

Immediate Response to Injuries

Accidents aren’t planned. Injuries are unexpected and sometimes serious. Having a first aid kit available allows you to quickly address minor injuries like cuts, scrapes, and burns. Prompt care can prevent these injuries from becoming more serious. A basic first aid kit will save you time by patching yourself up and returning to work.

Professionalism and Preparedness

Customers watch you while you perform your work. They look for slipshod work, unorganized preparation, and a lack of professionalism. If you injure yourself on the job, being prepared with a stocked first aid kit will give your customer the impression you are organized and prepared. Keeping a first aid kit available will also demonstrate your professionalism and commitment to safety. This shows you are prepared to handle unexpected situations on the job.

Legal Compliance

Believe it or not, you may be required to keep a first aid kit with you on the job site. In many places, it is a legal requirement for your business to be OSHA compliant and have an ANSI/ISEA-approved first aid kit as part of a worker safety program. For example, a small business owner in Michigan with a few employees could still be subject to workplace safety regulations including first aid. By carrying a workplace first aid kit with your tools and supplies, you ensure you are compliant with relevant regulations.

Helping others you encounter

While on the job, you may encounter situations where others, such as customers, co-workers, or bystanders require first aid. Having a first aid kit available allows you to help others in need. You get a chance to be a Good Samaritan. Being a good neighbor can give a sense of purpose, enhance personal growth, reduce stress, and encourage others to do the same. It is a win-win for everyone. Your thoughtfulness could even promote your business when those you have helped tell others about their experience.

Peace of Mind

A first aid kit is like insurance. You hope you never have to use it but it is important to have it so that when a problem arises, you have peace of mind knowing your first aid kit is available to use. This can allow you to focus on the task at hand without worrying about potential injuries.

As a contractor, if you are still not sure you need a first aid kit, think back to the risks you may have encountered. How about all of the times you cut or burned yourself while on the job? Having a well-stocked first aid kit would have allowed you to immediately treat yourself, reduce healing time, look professional, and provide peace of mind. Considering your experience and the nature of your work, having a well-stocked first aid kit in your work van can be a valuable safety measure.

What supplies Do I Need?

You know your work environment best. Think about the injuries you have experienced or seen on the job site. Using this knowledge, ensure you have supplies to address those injuries. Be sure to include basic first aid supplies as well. If you aren't sure where to begin or want to make sure you are OSHA compliant, use the list below as a minimum requirement for your first aid kit:

16	Adhesive Bandage 1 x 3 in. (2.5 X 7.5 cm)	1	Eye/Skin Wash 1 fl oz (29.6 ml total
1	Adhesive Tape 2.5 yd (2.3 m), total	1	First Aid Guide
10	Antibiotic Application 1/57 oz (0.5 g)	1	Foil Blanket 52 x 84 in (132 x 213 cm
10	Antiseptic 1/57 oz (0.5 g)	10	Hand Sanitizer 1/32 oz (0.9 g)
1	Burn Dressing (gel soaked) 4 x 4 in. (10 x 10 cm)	2 pr	Medical Exam Gloves
10	Burn Treatment 1/32 oz (0.9 g)	1	Roller Bandage 2 in. x 4 yd (5 cm x 3.66 m)
1	Cold Pack 4 x 5 in. (10 x 12.5 cm)	1	Scissor
1	CPR Breathing Barrier	2	Sterile pad 3 x 3 in. (7.5 x 7.5 cm)
2	Eye Covering w/means of attachment 2.9 sq. in. (19 sq cm)	2	Trauma pad 5 x 9 in. (12.7 x 22.9 cm)
		1	Triangular Bandage 40 x 40 x 56 in. (101 x 101 x 142 cm)

Easy To Use & Refill

MFASCO specializes in workplace, construction, and contractor first aid kits. We've designed our first aid kits for every type of workplace requirement. If you are working outside in the elements and need a waterproof, heavy-duty first aid kit, or inside and want to keep sawdust or grime out, we have the right kit for your needs. Every kit offers a complete refill pack so restocking your first aid kit is a breeze.

Call today so we can help answer your questions or place your order.

Contributing Expert

Mike Brinker

Mike Brinker has been working in the first aid industry for over 35 years. He has worked with thousands of businesses,groups, and organizations to provide a healthy and safe work environment. Mike helped create “Make-A-Kit”, the internet's only online first aid kit creation tool. He has also authored many helpful first-aid and safety-related resource articles found at the MFASCO Learning Center.

See all articles from Mike Brinker.