A thoroughly prepared first aid kit is of utmost importance in order to respond efficiently and effectively to any emergencies. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA, maintaining a well-stocked first aid kit is mandatory for workplaces. A basic first aid kit is good for a small workplace that has two to three workers.

If in the event that the business operates on a large scale, additional first aid kits should be available. These first aid kits should be placed on readily accessible areas. At least one person within the workplace should also be trained in terms of handling emergency situations. To safeguard workers especially in the absence of a medical facility, a business’ first aid kit should include the following items.

• Gauze pads that are at least 4 x 4 inches in size
• Two pieces of large gauze pads that are at least 8 x 10 inches in size
• A box of adhesive bandages or band-aids
• A package of gauze roller bandage that is at least 2 inches wide
• Two pieces of triangular bandages
• Wound cleaning agents (sealed moistened towelettes)
• A pair of scissors
• One blanket (at least)
• Tweezers
• One adhesive tape (at least)
• A pair of latex gloves
• Two pieces of elastic wraps
• A splint
• A piece of resuscitation equipment such as a pocket mask, airway or a resuscitation bag)
• Directions on how to request for emergency assistance

The American National Standard or ANSI, on the other hand, has slightly different guidelines from OSHA. According to them, the basic first aid kit should include the following items for a business that has 10 workers or less.

• Absorbent compress that is 32 sq. inches in size with no side smaller than 4 in.
• Adhesive bandages that are 1 x 3 inches in size (2.5 cm x 7.5 cm)
• 5 yd of adhesive tape (457.2 cm)
• 0.5g of Antiseptic (0.14 fl oz.) which is good for 10 applications
• 0.9 g of Burn treatment (0.14 fl. oz.) which is good for 6 applications
• 2 pairs of Medical exam gloves or latex gloves
• Sterile pads that are 3 x 3 inches in size (7.5 x 7.5 cm)
• Triangular bandage 40 x 40 x 56 inches in size (101 cm 101 cm x 142 cm)

In addition to this, ANSI also recommends the following guidelines should also be included in the first aid kits.

• Analgesics (not containing ingredients that would cause drowsiness)
• Bandage compresses
• Breathing barrier for CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
• Burn dressing that is at least 12 sq. inches in size
• Cold packs that are at least 4 x 5 inches in size
• Eye coverings
• Eye/skin wash
• Hand sanitizer with at least 61 percent ethyl alcohol
• Roller bandages

Both ANSI and OSHA may not require these additional items, but these are mandatory in some states. These include an Automated External Defibrillator and an Emergency Medical Plan.

Finally, first aid kits should be checked carefully and regularly. Any expired items, especially oral medications should be replaced immediately. Additionally, you need to keep track of any updates on safety guidelines from OSHA for your workplace that can be found here.