According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about 20 million work-related injuries occur each year. That’s about 2.4% of total work-related illness and injury costs, as well.
Rehabilitate your employees by equipping your workplace with some basic first-aid kits. Health and safety training goes much deeper than the first aid kit, though.
Are you thinking about creating a company first aid kit? Don’t go running to the drugstore and grab a box; there are a few things you need to know before putting a bunch of Band-Aids and antiseptics in a bag.
Don’t worry we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn what you need to include in your workplace first aid kit.
Bandages Gauze, and Sanitary Items
It is important to have a well-stocked first aid kit at work. Your kit should include a variety of sanitary items to help prevent the spread of infection.
These items include alcohol-based hand sanitizer, band-aids, and disinfectant wipes. Make sure to include a variety of sizes and types of bandages, as well as some sterile gauze pads. It is also a good idea to have a small trash can nearby to dispose of any used items.
You never know when someone will cut themselves or injure themselves, and having bandages and gauze on hand will be a huge help.
Different Medications
When stocking your workplace first aid kit, be sure to include pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. These can come in handy for treating minor aches and pains, headaches, and fevers.
Anti-inflammatory medication should also be included in your workplace first aid kit to reduce swelling, redness, and pain.
As with all medications, be sure to read and follow the label directions carefully. Also, keep in mind that some medications may not be suitable for everyone, so be sure to check with your healthcare provider before giving them to anyone.
Additionally, a first aid kit at work should always include cold and flu medication. This is because cold and flu viruses can spread quickly through an office or other workplace environment. By having medication on hand, you can help prevent the spread of these diseases.
Specific Needs of Your Workplace
To have an effective workplace first aid kit, you need to take the specific needs of your workplace into account. This means considering the type of work that is done, the number of employees, and any potential hazards.
Depending on these factors, you will need to include different items in your first aid kit. For example, if you have a lot of employees who work with machinery, you will need to include more items like bandages and ointments to treat cuts and burns.
On the other hand, if your workplace is mostly office-based, aspirin and antacids are best included. With this, you can ensure that your first-aid kit is effective and prepared for any potential emergency.
It is also ideal that you have employees trained in first aid and CPR. It is easy to get certified. You can check different organizations and websites, such as the Red Cross and MyCPR NOW, to be prepared for whatever emergency arises.
Prepare With Your Workplace First Aid Kit
The workplace first aid kit should include bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, hand sanitizer, and some medications. You may also want to include more specific items depending on the environment of your workplace. Keep your kit up-to-date and easily accessible.
It’s important to have a first aid kit readily available in case of an emergency.
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