OSHA First Aid Regulations

A few bandages and alcohol preps in a desk drawer does not exactly constitute the standards the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, has laid out for first-aid regulations. First-aid kits are used in a variety of settings, such as home and school. The workplace, however, must meet specific OSHA regulations for first aid.

Accessibility

• According to OSHA regulations, first-aid supplies must be readily available on small or large work sites. First-aid equipment must be approved by a physician---either the company's physician or a licensed physician working for OSHA. For first-aid supplies to be considered readily accessible, it may be necessary to place supplies or kits in regulated stations throughout the work facility.

Contents

• First-aid supplies must accommodate the specific workplace. For example, work areas that may expose employees or others to blood-borne pathogens should have gloves, gowns, face shields, masks and eye protection in ample supply. In general, the first aid supplies include tools for performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, or CPR, such as mouthpiece barriers. One or more persons in the work setting should also be trained in performing CPR method. Other supplies for first aid, depending on the work setting, may include respiratory protection, oxygen equipment and hearing protection. Of course, first aid should always be supplied with bandages, antibacterial cleanser, gauze, burn and wound treatment, analgesics (pain reliever) and ointment for minor injuries like cuts, burns, nicks or scratches.

Providing First Aid

• If a person is injured during the work day, OSHA first-aid regulations say they must receive first-aid care if at all possible. Employers must also report incidents when first aid is administered. Any time outside medical assistance in not readily available, first-aid procedures must be performed to maintain the employee's safety and health.