The requirements for first aid service in the workplace create problems for even the most experienced safety managers. While there are many things to consider you may want to consider a few to start with:
- CFR 29 1910.151(b)
- ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021
- Food and Drug Administration
What is CFR 29 1910.151(b)?
This CFR refers to the availability of product as well as the ability for an individual, in a business, to adequately render first aid in the workplace. This regulation also refers to ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2015 for guidance (see below).
CFR 29 1910.151(b) states:
“In the absence of an infirmary, clinic, or hospital in near proximity to the workplace which is used for treating of all injured employees, a person or persons shall be adequately trained to render first aid. Adequate first aid supplies shall be readily available.”
What is ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021?
ANSI and ISEA provide written standards and recommendations for various safety and first aid products. ANSI standard Z308.1-2021 specifically gives guidance on the minimum requirements for the contents of your workplace first aid kit. The standards discusses the following and more:
- Minimum fill requirements
- Minimum product specifications
- Cabinet classifications and types
- Supplemental products
- Color-coding for unitized
Minimum requirements for Class A and B First Aid Kits
Food and Drug Administration
The FDA is less commonly referred to in the workplace first aid and safety space. Most notably the FDA comes into play with ‘OTC’ or over-the-counter medicines. While it is common practice to provide tablets in the workplace quite often small service providers to even large corporations get this wrong. Lack of drug fact cards, out of date drug fact warnings or the mixing of lot numbers has the potential to create headaches for your organization, if not handled properly.