First aid compliance

Responding is Marvin Infante, director of marketing, Cintas Corp., Mason, OH.

Maintaining first aid readiness in the workplace is a critical aspect of ensuring employee safety and adhering to health and safety regulations. Proper management of first aid supplies and equipment not only helps prepare an organization for emergencies, it also demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being.

Here, I’ll outline best practices for managing first aid supplies and equipment in the workplace to ensure readiness and compliance with health and safety regulations.

The first step in managing first aid supplies effectively is to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment of the workplace. Identify potential hazards specific to your environment and evaluate the likelihood of different types of injuries. This assessment will guide the selection and quantity of first aid supplies needed.

Based on the risk assessment, stock your first aid kits with appropriate supplies. Basic items should include bandages, antiseptics, gloves and scissors.

Additionally, consider including items specific to your workplace needs such as eyewash solutions, burn dressings and/or emergency blankets. Kits should be easily accessible, clearly labeled and regularly checked to ensure all items are within their expiration dates and in good condition.

Regular maintenance of first aid supplies and equipment is also important. During these checks, replace any used or expired items and make sure all equipment, such as AEDs, are functioning correctly. Keep records of these inspections to demonstrate compliance with health and safety regulations.

Training employees on first aid is essential for effective emergency response. Ensure enough employees are trained and certified in first aid, CPR and the use of AEDs. Regular refresher courses should be offered to help keep their skills sharp. Training should also include familiarization with the location and contents of first aid kits and equipment.

Establish clear procedures for managing and using first aid supplies and equipment. These procedures should include steps for checking and restocking supplies, protocols for handling different types of injuries, and instructions for reporting and documenting incidents. Communicate these procedures to all employees to help ensure they’re easily accessible in case of an emergency.

Encourage employees to report any issues with first aid kits or equipment and participate in regular safety drills. Recognize and reward workers’ proactive safety behavior to reinforce the importance of first aid readiness. There’s nothing more important to an organization than the health and safety of its employees and customers.

A proactive approach to first aid not only meets legal obligations, it also cultivates a safe, healthy and productive work environment.

By conducting regular risk assessments, stocking appropriate supplies, maintaining equipment, providing worker training, developing clear procedures and promoting a culture of safety, employers can help ensure readiness and compliance with health and safety regulations.

Editor's note: This article represents the independent views of the author and should not be considered a National Safety Council endorsement.