Refresh Your Business First Aid Kit

Is Your Office First Aid Kit Up to Date? Here’s Why It Matters

Outdated or missing supplies can leave you unprepared in an emergency. Taking a few minutes to check your kit—using a checklist to verify all essential items—can make a big difference in workplace safety.

In this post, we’ll cover:

• Must-have first aid kit essentials
• OSHA vs. ANSI compliance guidelines
• How to set up a workplace first aid station
• Where to find compliant kits and supplies
• Determining the appropriate first aid kit size: 25-person vs. 50-person

OSHA vs. ANSI: What’s the Difference?

Understanding workplace safety standards is key to compliance. Many businesses get confused between OSHA and ANSI when it comes to first aid kits—so here’s a quick breakdown:

ANSI (American National Standards Institute):

• Develops voluntary guidelines for safety.
• Compliance is recommended but not legally required.
• Helpful for maintaining accreditation or meeting industry best practices.

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration):

• A regulatory agency that enforces workplace safety laws.
• Non-compliance can result in fines or legal consequences.

To stay compliant, your workplace should meet OSHA’s first aid requirements at a minimum.

Required OSHA First Aid Kit Items (2025 Standards)

Here are the core items your kit should contain, per OSHA guidelines:

• Absorbent Compress Dressings – Control bleeding
• Adhesive Bandages – Treat minor cuts and abrasions
• Antiseptics – Clean wounds and prevent infection
• Burn Treatments – Soothe and treat burns
• Gauze Pads (various sizes) – Cover wounds
• Roller Bandages – Secure dressings in place
• Triangular Bandages – Use as slings or wound wraps
• Wound Cleaning Agents – Moistened towelettes or equivalent
• Scissors – Cut bandages or clothing
• Tweezers – Remove splinters or debris
• Adhesive Tape – Secure gauze and dressings
• Medical Exam Gloves – Protect both the responder and injured person
• Resuscitation Equipment – Pocket mask or resuscitation bag
• First Aid Instructions – Include emergency contact info and procedures

Note: Quantities should be adjusted based on your workforce size and the specific hazards present in your workplace. For example, consider using a 25-person first aid kit for smaller teams and 50-person first aid kits for larger groups or higher-risk environments.

How to Set Up a First Aid Station at Work

Along with stocking the right items, it’s critical to store them where they’re easily accessible. Here’s a simple 7-step guide:

1. Choose a central, visible location
    Ideal spots include break rooms, main hallways, or near safety stations.
2. Label the station clearly
   Use a sign to help employees quickly identify it in an emergency.
3. Use a wall-mounted cabinet or shelf
    Position it 3 to 5 feet off the ground to keep supplies organized and accessible.
4. Stock with OSHA-compliant supplies
    Keep an updated inventory of the items listed above.
5. Include emergency contact numbers
    List fire, police, and medical services, as well as internal contacts.
6. Assign a team member to inspect regularly
   Check stock levels, expiration dates, and update items based on new OSHA guidelines.
7. Train your staff
    Make sure everyone knows what’s in the kit, where it’s located, and how to use its content properly.

Recommended Supplies for a Compliant Station

Looking for the right products? Start with these OSHA-compliant essentials:

• First Aid Kit – 25 People
• First Aid Kit – 50 People
• First Aid Cabinet
  
• First Aid Station Sign
  
• Hand Sanitizer (sanitation is part of safety!)

A properly stocked and maintained first aid station can reduce downtime, improve emergency response, and protect your workforce—physically and legally.

Stay Compliant, Stay Safe

Creating a culture of workplace safety starts with preparation. Regularly reviewing and updating your first aid kit is one of the simplest, most effective ways to stay ready for anything.

Make your workplace safer for everyone with W.B. Mason’s high-quality, OSHA-approved first aid supplies.

Now go out and create a safer, more prepared workplace!

Written By: Kylia Medeiros