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What You Should Have In An Emergency Kit – Imagine the following scenario: a newly hired employee at your company accidentally trips on a rope and falls down a small flight of stairs. Other employees notice the commotion and rush to help the worker who has opened a serious wound on her arm. While some people try to stop the bleeding with towels, no one seems to find a first aid kit containing gauze, bandages, and other essential first aid items that could help control the bleeding while waiting for the arrival of medical personnel.
First aid kits can play a major role in reducing the severity of workplace accidents. For workplaces with a comprehensive first aid kit, a small accident injury may require just a few stitches.
What You Should Have In An Emergency Kit
However, without a first aid kit available, this same injury could lead to heavy bleeding, dangerous blood loss, shock, and possible long-term health problems for the affected employee. Not only does this endanger the health and well-being of your staff, but it can also significantly increase workers’ compensation claims, which can cost your business dearly.
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In this short article, we take a brief look at the importance of having a first aid kit at work. You’ll find a comprehensive workplace first aid kit checklist based on OSHA’s first aid kit requirements for 2021 to ensure compliance with all the latest necessary regulations.
A simple first aid kit can provide a number of important benefits to a workplace. Above all, a well-equipped first aid kit can save lives in the event of dangerous accidents.
Of course, first aid kits should also be part of a broader injury prevention program and protocols aimed at reducing the number and severity of workplace accidents. By training certain employees in first aid techniques and the use of items contained in a first aid kit, you can also contribute to a healthier and more positive work environment. In fact, simple first aid training for your staff can also be a great team building exercise.
By training people to use your first aid kit, you can also help reduce recovery times in the event of accidents or injuries. According to a recent survey published in Physician’s Weekly, nonfatal workplace injuries result in approximately 11 lost work days and a value of $1,560 per year in the United States, per worker per year.
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Proper first aid can reduce this wasted time and costs, improving productivity and saving your business money.
So, what exactly should be in your workplace first aid kit? According to OSHA 1910.266 App A for mandatory first aid kits, your kit must include at least:
It is important to note that OSHA does not require industry-specific first aid kits in general. Instead, they state in OSHA 29 CFR 1910.151(b): “Adequate first aid supplies shall be readily available. »
Since workplace accidents can occur in virtually any type of work environment, businesses would do well to develop a comprehensive first aid kit and first aid program that addresses the specific hazards that can reasonably be expected to occur. ‘wait in case of injury. .
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One way to develop a comprehensive first aid program is to hire a company with experience handling workplace injuries. is a leading expert in injury prevention and management for your workforce. We have 30 years of experience helping businesses across all industries create and implement holistic injury prevention programs. We have a 98% success rate in using OSHA first aid techniques to prevent early musculoskeletal symptoms from developing into recordable injuries.
Can help every type of business develop different strategies to promote a preventive care model that increases productivity rates and saves on employer healthcare costs. Contact us today to see how we can help you create a first aid program as part of a larger injury prevention program for your workforce.
Kimber has worked with us for over 18 years and has been in professional sports training for 25 years. She has dedicated her professional career to helping others.
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Doing benchtop work in the lab can be more difficult if your employees make these 4 ergonomic mistakes. As a mom, a bandage and a kiss can usually improve the health of any child, but it’s always important to be prepared for all of life’s ups and downs. , sprains and strains, whatever your age.
That’s because unintentional injuries happen all the time. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2016, unintentional injuries accounted for 39.5 million doctor visits and 24.5 million emergency room visits.
Being prepared with a first aid kit and proper medications for wounds, minor cuts, scrapes, burns and sprains can make all the difference.
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We spoke with Tracey Fejt, RN, trauma awareness and injury prevention coordinator at Banner Children’s in Desertin Mesa, Arizona, about the essential items you should include in a first aid kit and other must-haves of a medicine cabinet.
Unfortunately, injuries, accidents and illnesses happen, but you can be prepared. Many pharmacies sell ready-made first aid kits, but you can add and adapt them to suit your specific needs or activities, such as for sporting events, camping, etc. Here is a general list of items you might include:
If you are a new parent or caring for an aging loved one, you may also consider additional items, such as a nasal aspirator and rectal thermometer for babies and butterfly closures or clear film dressings for older people with thin skin.
Or maybe you’re planning a trip to the lake or beach? Don’t forget to bring items to protect yourself from the sun and heat. Check out “Your Summer Safety Shopping List” for suggested items to include in your kit.
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Check your kit and medicine cabinet regularly for expired items, such as personal and over-the-counter medications, and replace them if necessary. Update home and emergency phone numbers.
Whether you are a caretaker or a future babysitter, it is important to be prepared in the unfortunate event of an accident or injury. “It’s important to make sure you’re prepared by having supplies, but it’s even more important to know how to use them,” Fejt said.
Consider taking a general first aid course for the basics, a Stop the Bleed® course that teaches wound care, and a CPR course. To find training near you, visit or cpr.heart.org.
We know you live a busy life. Get the latest health advice from our experts delivered to your inbox. My first aid kit is more than just supplies to treat wounds or other injuries. I carry what I broadly consider an “emergency” or “fix it” kit: it’s a first aid kit, but it also includes items to prevent or solve other problems I might encounter on the trail, such as broken equipment or a lost part. of essential equipment to stay safe.
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I try to be judicious and thoughtful about what I include in order to prepare for both “high probability” and “high risk” situations, while trying to avoid being “dumb and light” . Now is not the time to count grams, but I’m sure my kit could be lighter. In total, it weighs approximately 9.3 ounces.
My kit has evolved over time to include items for issues I’ve encountered in the past, including a sinus infection on a trail that almost ruined a trip and hyponatremia (low electrolyte level) due to excessive water consumption. I am prone to sinus and upper respiratory infections and have modified my kit accordingly. You should customize your kit to meet your specific needs and conditions.
I have been certified twice in Wilderness First Aid through NOLS, and my first aid supplies are largely influenced by their training and recommendations. Your knowledge is just as important as what’s in your kit. I strongly encourage people to learn first aid and know how to use the supplies you carry.
The photo below shows all the items I would typically carry in my emergency kit on a multi-day backpacking trip. For a day hike, I’ve reduced this by removing a lot of the gear-related items and most medications, but I keep most of the first aid and wound treatment supplies.
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You should personalize your kit with any medications you may need (Epi-pen, for example). I’m prone to sinus and upper respiratory infections, so I also carry:
Breakneck Ridge is an incredibly popular hike, so don’t expect to have the trail to yourself. The steep climb up the rocks will get your heart racing and you’ll be rewarded with great views of the Hudson River. It’s about a 3-mile loop, but all the action happens in the first mile.
Ricketts Glen is a waterfall wonderland. This is a great loop hike with a huge reward-to-effort ratio that passes 21 named waterfalls over 4.5 miles of the Falls Trail system.
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