Everything Employers Need to Know to Keep Their First Aid Kits Up to Standard
Maintaining a well-stocked, accessible first aid kit is an essential part of workplace safety. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to ensure that first aid supplies are available and suitable for the hazards of the workplace. Depending on your industry, there are different requirements and recommendations to follow.
OSHA First Aid Kit Requirements - General Workplace (Most Industries)
OSHA does not mandate a specific list of first aid items for all workplaces. Instead, employers are directed to ensure "adequate first aid supplies...readily available" (29 CFR 1910.151(b)). To meet this, OSHA recognizes the ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021 standard as a recommended guideline for minimum first aid kit contents.
Employers should assess their workplace hazards and supplement the kit as needed.
OSHA 1926.50 (Construction Industry) – Minimum Requirements
Construction employers must follow more specific first aid requirements. Kits should be stocked with the following (based on OSHA 1926.50 Appendix A – Non-Mandatory Guidelines):
- Adhesive Bandages: Assorted sizes (e.g., Band-Aids)
- Gauze Pads: At least 4"x4"; two large pads (at least 8"x10")
- Roller Bandages: At least 2" wide
- Triangular Bandages: Minimum of two
- Wound Cleaning Agents: Moistened towelettes or antiseptic wipes
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Adhesive Tape
- Gloves: Preferably nitrile or non-latex alternatives
- Resuscitation Equipment: Pocket mask or resuscitation bag
- Emergency Instructions: Clear steps and emergency contact info
Blankets and other items (like eye wash stations) may be advisable based on workplace hazards, although not explicitly required under this section.
OSHA 1910.266 App A (Logging Operations) – Specific Mandated Supplies
For logging operations, OSHA requires a specific list of first aid supplies. These include:
- Adhesive Bandages: Box of assorted types
- Gauze Pads: At least 4"x4"; two large (8"x10")
- Roller Bandage: One, at least 2" wide
- Triangular Bandages: At least two
- Moistened Towelettes
- Scissors
- Blanket: For shock or warmth
- Tweezers
- Adhesive Tape
- Gloves: Latex or non-latex
- Resuscitation Equipment: Bag, airway, or pocket mask
- Elastic Wraps: Two
- Rigid Splint
- Emergency Instructions: Including local emergency numbers and site-specific details
This list is mandatory for workers covered under OSHA’s logging regulations.
Additional Best Practices for All Employers
Regardless of your industry, following these best practices will help you stay compliant and better prepared for emergencies:
- Accessibility: First aid supplies must be clearly marked, easy to find, and quickly accessible.
- Quantity & Location: Provide an adequate number of kits based on employee count and layout of the facility or job site.
- Kit Condition: Store supplies in a weatherproof, portable container that protects contents from environmental damage.
- Regular Inspections: Establish a schedule to check for expired, damaged, or used items, and replenish as needed.
- Training: Ensure employees know how to access and properly use kit contents.
- Customization: Supplement kits to address industry-specific risks, such as chemical exposure, extreme temperatures, or remote locations.
If your workplace involves chemical hazards, eye wash stations or chemical-specific treatments may be required.
First Aid Trained Employees
It is important to note that in addition to having properly stocked and accessible kits, OSHA strongly requires that employees be trained in first aid in certain situations, depending on the workplace type and conditions,
General OSHA Standard (1910.151(b)) – General Industry
“In the absence of an infirmary, clinic, or hospital in near proximity to the workplace which is used for the treatment of all injured employees, a person or persons shall be adequately trained to render first aid.”
What this means:
- If medical help is not immediately accessible (typically interpreted as being within 3 to 4 minutes), then trained first aid responders must be present on-site.
- “Adequately trained” is not fully defined by OSHA, but employers often use Red Cross, American Heart Association, or NSC (National Safety Council) certification programs to meet expectations.
Note: “Near proximity” depends on workplace hazards—more dangerous environments may require shorter response times.
Construction Industry (1926.50(c))
“In the absence of an infirmary, clinic, hospital, or physician that is reasonably accessible in terms of time and distance to the worksite, a person who has a valid certificate in first-aid training... shall be available at the worksite.”
- A certified first aid responder must be on-site at construction jobsites unless there is quick access to off-site medical care.
Logging Operations (1910.266 App B)
- OSHA requires that all employees involved in logging receive first aid and CPR training, and maintain current certification.
Walk Your Site – Customize for Your Risks
No two job sites are the same. Ask yourself:
- Are workers exposed to extreme heat or cold?
- Do they work around heavy machinery or sharp tools?
- Is the site remote or isolated?
Being proactive in planning for possible incidents will help you maintain OSHA compliance and improve emergency response readiness. For more job site safety tips or help reviewing your current setup, contact your local Risk Control Consultant. Click the button below to find an agent near you.
For information purposes only. BITCO's blog content does not address all potential circumstances and is not a substitute for business, safety, or legal consultation.
