A minimum list of first aid kits, Table 1, is included instead of a list provided by the physician. Two notes provide further evidence that additions to the recommended list may be required for some workplaces and that deviations from a typical construction site require employers to consider additional factors. The following list contains the minimum acceptable number and type of first aid deliveries for first aid kits required under paragraph (d)(2) of the Registration Standard. The contents of the listed first aid kit should be sufficient for small construction sites, consisting of about two to three employees. If major surgeries or multiple surgeries are performed at the same location, additional first aid kits should be provided at the workplace or additional quantities of relief supplies should be included in the first aid kits: The proposed revisions provide employers with two options to ensure their child first aiders are compliant: (1) the content may be determined by an employer-authorized physician; or (2) supplies may be determined on the basis of the minimum content tables contained in the proposed Regulations. OSHA requirements are defined by laws, standards, and regulations. Our interpretative letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional obligations for employers. This letter represents OSHA`s interpretation of the requirements under discussion. Please note that our enforcement guidelines may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. We also update our guidelines from time to time in response to new information. To stay informed of these developments, you can visit the OSHA website at www.osha.gov. Another proposed revision of GISO Section 3400 will allow an employer to assess the need for first aid supplies and ensure that sufficient quantities and types of first aid supplies are available to employees in each workplace. California Occupational Safety & Health Administration (Cal/OSHA) Title 8 CCR Section 3400 states that first aid must be provided to all employees at every workplace.
This is a question that has been asked of most employers since the advent of Cal/OSHA and is virtually unanswered. If you had a first aid kit and it was maintained with basic items, clean and accessible, it was accepted. February 2, 2007 Leanne D. Cress P. O. Box 223 Palomar Mountain, CA 92060 Dear Ms. Cress, Your letter dated November 23, 2006 to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been forwarded to the Enforcement Programs Directorate for response. This letter represents OSHA`s interpretation of the requirements discussed only and may not be applicable to issues or scenarios not described in your original correspondence. You asked if it is mandatory for all workplaces to provide a first aid kit. 29 CFR 1910.151(b) states: « In the absence of an infirmary, clinic or hospital in close proximity to the workplace used to treat all injured employees, one or more persons shall be adequately trained to provide first aid. Adequate first aid supplies must be readily available. Employers may choose not to provide first aid services if all of these services are provided by a hospital, infirmary or clinic in the immediate vicinity of the workplace.
If the employer has persons trained in first aid, sufficient first aid supplies must be available. As a result, employers are required to provide the most appropriate first aid supplies to respond to an incident in their workplace. OSHA allows employers to provide first aid supplies specifically tailored to the needs of their workplace. While we have provided our interpretation of the federal standard, twenty-six states, including California, operate their own OSHA-approved occupational health and safety programs. These planning states adopt and enforce their own standards, which may have different requirements than federal standards for medical services and supplies. The California Department of Industrial Relations (Cal-OSHA) administers the state`s plan program. Cal-OSHA standards are available on the state website – www.dir.ca.gov/occupational_safety.html. If you would like more information about California occupational safety and health regulations, the address is: As mentioned earlier, this Cal/OSHA standard does not specify the exact contents of a first aid kit. As an example of proper first aid kits, the American National Standards Institute has produced a guide that lists the minimum requirements under ANSI code Z308.1-2015. Another source of minimum requirements for the contents of a workplace first aid kit can be found on the American Red Cross website. The proposed new elements are considered necessary for modern first aid practice and are currently recommended for inclusion in the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard Z308.1 on First Aid Kits: Minimum Requirements for First Aid Kits and Workplace Accessories. Examination gloves and CPR are existing requirements of the Blood-borne Pathogens Regulations, section 5193 of the MGR.
To avoid penalties for this standard, here are helpful guidelines and tips for compliance with first aid kits in the workplace: Paragraph (c) of this standard further states that a physician must approve the contents of a first aid kit in the workplace, but does not go so far as to specify the exact contents of the kit. This requirement is often overlooked by an employer and can become a submission during workplace inspections in response to an accident or employee complaint as part of routine enforcement visits. If you grew up with an overly cautious parent, you know pretty well what a first aid kit looks like. Traditionally in a white sheet box, all necessities for injuries such as bandages, thermometers, medical ointments are included in this box. At one point, it might even have come in handy and shown you the true value of preparation. In California, employers are required to keep these kits hygienic and ready to use at all times. They must be maintained, replenished and inspected to remain compliant. There are also separate Cal/OSHA standards, depending on the type of business.
The main difference is between those in a construction environment that have very detailed first aid standards and those in other employers that are less stringent but still meet federal OSHA standards. As noted above, OSC Article 1512 has already established the alternative to items on a list recommended or authorized by an employer-authorized physician. The proposal changes the title of the section « Emergency services » to « Medical services and first aid ». In addition, the title of Article 3400 of the General Industrial Safety Orders (GISO) has been revised to comply with Article 1512 of the CST. I have heard that the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Council (the Council) will consider revising the requirement to obtain medical approval for items that must be contained in an on-site first aid kit.