A properly maintained first-aid kit is an essential part of workplace emergency preparedness. Small cuts, burns, sprains and other incidents can happen in offices, warehouses, retail stores, construction environments and manufacturing facilities.
Having appropriate supplies available allows trained personnel to respond quickly while additional assistance is arranged when necessary.
Because workplace requirements can vary by location, industry, workforce size and hazard level, businesses should confirm the rules that apply to their operation.
Consider Your Workplace Environment
The contents and number of first-aid kits required may depend on several factors:
- Number of employees
- Workplace size and layout
- Type of work being performed
- Distance from emergency services
- Number of floors or buildings
- Outdoor or remote work
- Chemicals, tools or machinery in use
- Applicable provincial requirements
A small office may have different first-aid needs than a large warehouse or industrial site.
Common First-Aid Supplies
Although requirements vary, businesses commonly review supplies such as:
- Adhesive bandages in different sizes
- Sterile gauze pads
- Medical tape
- Disposable gloves
- Antiseptic products
- Burn dressings
- Elastic bandages
- Cold packs
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Eye-care supplies
- Emergency blankets
- First-aid instructions
- Waste disposal bags
Only include products that are appropriate for the workplace and permitted under the relevant first-aid program.
Choose an Accessible Location
First-aid kits should be easy to locate and access during an emergency.
Avoid placing the kit inside a locked cabinet or an area that employees cannot reach quickly. The location should be clearly identified with visible signage.
Large workplaces may require multiple kits so employees do not have to travel across an entire facility to reach supplies.
Employees should know:
- Where each kit is located
- Who the trained first-aid personnel are
- How to report an incident
- Who is responsible for restocking supplies
- How to request emergency assistance
Inspect Your Kit Regularly
A first-aid kit should not be purchased and then forgotten. Supplies can be used, damaged or expire.
Create a regular inspection schedule and check for:
- Missing products
- Opened or damaged packaging
- Expired supplies
- Low quantities
- Unreadable labels
- Contamination
- Changes in workplace needs
A simple inspection record can help the responsible employee document when the kit was checked and what was replaced.
Adjust Supplies as Your Business Changes
Your first-aid requirements may change when you hire more employees, move into a larger facility, introduce new equipment or begin offering additional services.
Review your first-aid setup whenever there is a significant operational change. It is also helpful to consider feedback from trained first-aid personnel who may identify frequently used or missing products.
Keep Your Workplace Prepared
A well-organized first-aid program helps employees understand how to respond when an incident occurs. Suitable supplies, visible storage and regular inspections all contribute to better emergency readiness.
UNIFI Canada helps businesses source workplace safety and industrial products through convenient individual and bulk purchasing options.
Review your current first-aid supplies and contact UNIFI Canada for help preparing your next workplace safety order.
