First Aid Kits: Are You Compliant with OSHA Standards?

Anthony Kidd
Mar 6
3 min read

Updated: Mar 7

For business owners in Harrisburg, Williamsport, and Scranton, safety compliance often feels like a moving target. You know you need a first aid kit on-site, but is a box of plastic bandages from the local pharmacy enough to meet federal standards?

OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has specific requirements for medical services and first aid. While having the right supplies is a legal necessity, the real value of a first aid kit lies in having a team that knows how to use it. At CPR Safety 411, we help industries we serve bridge the gap between owning a kit and being prepared for a real emergency.

What Does OSHA Actually Require?

OSHA standard 1910.151(b) states that “adequate first aid supplies shall be readily available.” However, because a dental office in State College faces different risks than a construction site in Bloomsburg, OSHA doesn’t provide a “one-size-fits-all” list.

Instead, they point to the ANSI/ISEA Z308.1 standard, which categorizes kits into two types:

Class A Kits: Designed for common workplace injuries like minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. These are typical for offices and light retail environments.
Class B Kits: Designed for high-risk environments (like manufacturing or forestry) where injuries might be more severe. These include more specialized splints and larger dressings.

The Essential Checklist

Regardless of your industry, every professional first aid kit in service areas across Central Pennsylvania should contain these core items at a minimum:

Adhesive Bandages: Various sizes for minor cuts.
Gauze Pads and Rollers: For larger wounds and bleeding control.
Medical Tape: To secure dressings.
Antiseptic Wipes: To prevent infection.
Burn Treatment: Gel or dressings specifically for heat-related injuries.
Exam Gloves: Essential PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) to protect the responder.
CPR Face Shield: To allow for safe rescue breathing if needed.

The “Hidden” Requirement: Training

Having a fully stocked kit is only half the battle. OSHA also mandates that if your workplace is not in “close proximity” to a clinic or hospital (usually interpreted as a 3- to 4-minute response time), you must have at least one person trained to render first aid.

In many parts of Central PA, traffic or rural locations can delay emergency services. This is why CPR training for workplaces and organizations is so critical. A first aid kit is just a box of plastic and cloth until a trained employee uses it to stop a bleed or stabilize a fracture.

Common Mistakes in Kit Maintenance

Many organizations “set it and forget it,” but first aid kits require regular upkeep.

Expired Items: Did you know that antiseptic wipes dry out and antibiotic ointments lose their potency?
The “Band-Aid Bandit”: In many offices, the first aid kit becomes a personal medicine cabinet. If employees take bandages for minor home use, the kit might be empty when a real emergency happens.
Lack of Accessibility: A kit locked in a manager’s office that is away for the day is not “readily available.”

Beyond the Bandage: Life-Saving Additions

While OSHA provides the floor, best-practice safety provides the ceiling. We often recommend that organizations in Lewisburg and the surrounding areas consider adding:

A Tourniquet: Essential for severe limb trauma in high-risk industries.
Hemostatic Gauze: Specially treated to stop bleeding faster.
An AED: While not technically part of a “first aid kit,” an Automated External Defibrillator is the single most important tool for surviving cardiac arrest.

Need CPR Training for Your Team?

Having the right supplies is great—having the right skills is life-saving. CPR Safety 411 provides comprehensive, on-site CPR and First Aid training tailored to the needs of your specific workplace. Our American Heart Association aligned courses include hands-on practice with manikins and AED trainers, ensuring your team knows exactly what to do when they open that first aid kit. We offer flexible scheduling for workplaces and organizations across Central Pennsylvania.

Request training for your team today.