What is a Workplace First Aid Kit

Published: June 27, 2023

What is a Workplace First Aid Kit?

Workplace first aid kits are different from most other first aid kits because the required contents and container are overseen by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA). They have created Z308.1-2021, a voluntary industry consensus standard that establishes minimum performance requirements for first aid kits and their supplies that are intended for use in various work environments."* We have a complete ANSI first aid standard article that contains all of the answers you need to be informed. We discuss the ANSI standard, which kit is best for you, the number of first aid kits you may need, and a complete minimum requirements supply list.

Are all Workplace First Aid Kits the same?

The short answer is No. Industrial first aid kits are designed to meet the needs of the workplace. An ANSI-approved workplace first aid kit will contain supplies to be used for minor cuts, scrapes, burn care, pain relief, and even severe bleeding. The contents list differs based on the work environment which includes frequency of use and types of hazards workers may encounter. The ANSI standard defines two different classes of first aid kits. A workplace hazard assessment should be conducted to determine if a Class A Workplace First Aid Kit or a Class B Workplace First Aid Kit is required. Consider these 3 questions when conducting a Workplace Hazard Assessment:

What are the Hazards that exist?
What kinds of injuries have occurred or could occur in relation to these hazards?
What types of first aid supplies are needed to treat these injuries?

What supplies should be in a workplace first aid kit?

Because workplace first aid kits are regulated by state and federal agencies, every workplace first aid kit should be compliant. We have a complete article detailing the required items for workplace first aid kits. A workplace hazard assessment will help determine the types of additional supplies and quantities you should keep on hand. We strongly encourage you to read that article so you can find the right type of first aid kit for your workplace.

What Makes A Workplace First Aid Kit Unique?

While there are several types of workplace first aid kits, most are various-sized white metal cabinets with several shelves. Here are a few features that make these workplace first aid kits unique.

What type of workplace first aid kit do I need?

You need a compliant first aid kit. MFASCO workplace first aid kits that are designated as either Class A or Class B, are OSHA compliant. We strongly encourage you to look at our First Aid Kits page and use the filters to find the exact first aid kit that meets your needs.

Do I need a first aid service to manage my supplies?

NO, OSHA says you have a dedicated person oversee your first aid program ensuring you have ample supplies on hand. Many organizations delegate safety team people to oversee their first aid cabinets, ensuring injury reports are maintained and supplies do not run out in their first aid cabinets. When you contract a 3rd party service to maintain and restock your first aid supplies, you lose control of what is being placed in the cabinet, and many times unnecessary products are sold to your organization. Here are 5 things first aid services don't want you to know. The bottom line is to manage your supplies, control your costs, and ensure the right products are available when you need them. We have created an easy way to manage and restock your first aid supplies (see below).

How do I restock/refill a workplace first aid kit? How to restock

Every workplace first aid kit we make includes an easy refill program you can oversee, ensuring you get only the products you want. Look for the Reorder/Restock label on your MFASCO first aid kit and scan the QR Code. Another easy way is to use our “refill this kit” list found on the product page of each MFASCO kit listed on our website. We also have other helpful reorder features including our reorder list and reminder schedules to help you manage your first aid supplies. Contact Customer Service so we can help you reorder your supplies.

How to Maintain A Workplace First Aid Kit

Refilling/restocking your first aid kit is easy to do. It is also important to inspect your supplies for expired or partially used items. You should also organize and sanitize your first aid kit to help your employees remain healthy and safe. We have also put together this helpful ebook about managing your first aid supplies.

Should I have medicines in my first aid kit at work?

OSHA and ANSI/ISEA all recommend considering Over-The-Counter (OTC) medicines to help employees. Look at the ANSI/ISEA standard and the OSHA list for details. We have also written a helpful article about OTC medicines in the workplace that will help you decide how to answer this important question.

Can I make my own custom first-aid kit?

Yes, MFASCO has the “Make-A-Kit” tool that allows you to either customize an existing MFASCO first aid kit OR create your own custom first aid kit from scratch. If you want to create a custom kit from scratch, we offer an option to include all the ANSI required items and then you add any other additional items. you like.

* Quote cited by - https://safetyequipment.org/worker_protections/first-aid/

First Aid Products & Accessories
MFASCO's Make a Kit Tool
Complete First Aid Kit Refill Packs
Reorder Lists for First Aid Kits

Additional Resources for Reordering First Aid Kits & Supplies
Top 8 First Aid Kit Types
What is in a First Aid Kit?
Essential First Aid Kit Supply List

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.