When I do my mock OSHA inspections, I always ask to see the staff first-aid kit. The majority of the time the staff will tell me they use the STAT kit required by the insurance carriers.
I proceed to inform them that OSHA regulations/guidelines pertain to the employees, not the patients. OSHA requires that all medical workplaces have supplies to handle minor emergencies. OSHA requires a separate, readily available, first-aid kit for employee injuries.
During this last inspection, the manager smiled broadly and stated that she had personally bought the first-aid kit. She left the room to retrieve the kit.
The Manager returned with a metal box that had a handle. It had the writing “approved by OSHA” printed on the front. Everything in it was a brand name item, individually wrapped. The cost? $75.00!
I hated to burst her bubble, but kindly told her that her first-aid kit was over the top. I told her that OSHA was just as happy with a plastic lunch box style first-aid kit that can be purchased at any local department store for about $10.00.
As long as the required contents are included in the kit, this less expensive version is also “approved” by OSHA. The required contents are:
- Absorbent compress- 32 sq. in. wide with no side smaller than 4″- (1)
- Adhesive bandages- 1×3 in. (16)
- Adhesive tape, 5 yds. (1)
- Antiseptic- 0.5 g (0.14 fl.oz.) application (10)
- Burn treatment- 0.5g (0.14 fl.oz.) application (6)
- Medical exam gloves- (4)
- Sterile pad- 3×3 in. (4)
- Triangular bandage- 40x40x56 in. (1)
- Directions for requesting emergency assistance. (if a caregiver is not available)
Remember to clearly mark the box as “Staff First-Aid Kit,” and store it in a location that can be reached and seen by all staff members.