Essential Items for Every First Aid Kit

Posted on 30 October 2024
By SWSS
0

Every worker needs a comprehensive first aid kit to serve as the first line of defence against workplace accidents. This article helps you ensure your kit has everything you need.

It's important to adopt proactive safety measures and maintaining your first aid kit while at work, not just because of regulatory requirements, but they're important to creating a safe and responsive work environment. Being prepared with a range of first aid supplies is your first step to work safety.

We've written a guide on the proper work clothing for those who work in construction to help ensure that employees are protected against the physical hazards of the job site.

The Basic Supplies and Specialized Items

Basic Supplies

Bandages and Dressings

On the work site you need a variety of sizes and shapes of bandages to cover different wounds. The bandages should be flexible and comfortable and provide easy movement without compromising the dressing. Ensure you have waterproof options for environments where exposure to moisture is likely.

Antiseptic Wipes and Creams

To clean wounds and prevent infections use antiseptic wipes for initial cleansing of an injury, so as to reducing the risk of bacteria entering the bloodstream. You should also have an antiseptic cream in your kit. Antiseptic creams provide a protective barrier on the wound, promotes fast healing and fights off infections.

Sterile Gauze and Tape

For dressing and securing wounds have gauze pads on hand to absorb excess blood from wounds and keep the area clean. Have medical tape too to secure the gauze to ensure the dressing stays in place.

Specialized Items

Burn Gel and Dressings

Make sure your kit has burn gels for immediate treatment of burns. These gels are common in many workplaces. They cool the affected area, reduce pain and prevent skin damage. It's smart practice to have different sizes of burn dressings available for different kinds of burns.

Here's a list of the types of burns that different sized dressings might be used for:

First-degree burns
Second-degree burns
Third-degree burns
Chemical burns
Electrical burns
Radiation burns

Eye Wash Solution

Eye wash solutions are truly essential for a workplace where particles or chemicals could get in the eyes. An eye wash solution can be a eyesite saver and quickly flush out contaminants from the eye surface. Stations with eye wash solutions are usually readily accessible and you should be trained on how to use them in an emergency.

Splints

To immobilize any broken limbs or injured joints, splints should be present in your first aid kit. Splints provide support to prevent further injury until professional medical help has arrived. Splints are usually adjustable and padded for comfort, and suitable for different parts of the body like the arms, legs, and fingers.

Your First Aid Kit is Your Resource

Your first aid kit is the resource that all workers can turn to in the event of an injury, so stocking it with the above items ensures you are prepared for the most common workplace accidents.

Advanced Components for Specific Environments

Some work environments have their own unique set of hazards that require additional types of first aid supplies. If you tailor your kit to meet these specific needs, you can significantly enhance worker safety.

For Chemical Exposures

Protective Gloves and Goggles

To handle injuries without compromising your safety. Gloves should be made of materials resistant to the chemicals handled in your workplace to prevent permeation and breakthrough. Goggles must seal properly around the eyes to provide effective barrier protection from splashes and particulates.

Neutralizing Agents

These are specific to the types of chemicals used in your workplace. These are agents that can quickly counteract harmful effects of spills or splashes, and reduce the chance of skin or eye injuries.

It is essential to have material safety data sheets (MSDS) accessible, detailing the correct neutralizing agent for each chemical used on site.

Some examples of neutralizing agents for common hazardous chemicals include:

Acids - Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) or lime (calcium carbonate) can neutralize acid spills, reducing the risk of burns and environmental damage.

Bases (Alkalis) - Weak acids, such as vinegar (acetic acid) or citric acid, can be used to neutralize bases like sodium hydroxide or ammonia.

Solvents - Water or specific solvent-neutralizing compounds depending on the type, such as activated charcoal for organic solvents.

Oxidizers - Reducing agents like sodium thiosulfate can be used to neutralize oxidizers like hydrogen peroxide.

Cyanides - Hypo (sodium thiosulfate) is commonly used to neutralize cyanides, which are extremely toxic.

Mercury - Sulfur powder is used to bind mercury spills, making them easier to collect and reducing vapor release.

Read the MSDS

Each MSDS provides specific instructions for chemical in question to ensure safe handling and emergency procedures are followed precisely.

For Outdoor Work

Insect Sting Relief Pads

Insect sting pads are used to relieve pain and swelling from insect bites. These pads contain ingredients that safely neutralize a sting and reduce the pain. They are small and fit easily in your first aid kit, and extremely important for outdoor work.

Sunscreen and Lip Balm

This may not seem like an important item to have in your first aid box, but doing so pays off in the long rum. Sunscreen and lip balm protect against harmful UV rays, which many people initially overlook. All you need is a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 or higher. Lip balm with sunscreen provides the same protection for your lips by preventing chapping and burns which eventually happen if you're not protected

Maintain Your First Aid Kit

You have to keep your first aid kit up to date. If you use an item, make sure to replace it as soon as possible. You don't know when you or a co-worker may need first aid next. Keeping your first aid kit ready to use is as important as having a kit.

Checklist for Maintenance

Expiration Dates
Inventory Levels
Condition Checks

Start Building Your Kit!

If you live in Brantford and work in tough environments, start building your first aid kit today by visiting our safety supply store safety and well-being where we have all the supplies to get you started.