First Aid Accident Response Kits
Not Just a Band-Aid Solution!
As employers, we are required by law to maintain First Aid Kits in the workplace to ensure the ongoing health and safety of our employees. As a well stocked first aid kit can provide life-saving assistance in the event of an emergency, it is a critical element to your health and safety program. It is important to note that while the required First Aid Kits provide adequate materials for dealing with the majority of workplace accidents, the legislative requirements were developed some time ago, and as such, there are many key elements that may be added which may prove useful for your organization. Follow HRDs’ Action Plan to create a superior First Aid Accident Resonse Kit for your organization!
Quick Stats/Facts
According to workplace injury statistics gathered by the WSIB for the year 2008:
- Lost time injuries / illnesses – 78,256
- No lost time injuries / illnesses – 163,315
- Work-related lost time and no lost time injuries and illness – 241,571
- Deaths from traumatic injuries and other immediate causes – 78
- Deaths due to occupational disease – 257
- Total deaths resulting from traumatic injuries / other immediate causes and due to occupational disease – 335
Statistics show that people who have participated in a First Aid course can reduce their personal injuries by as much as 45% (Canadian Red Cross).
Items to Include in a First Aid Kit
| All first aid supplies required under WSIB/WCB | MOL Contact information, in the event of a critical injury |
| List of Person(s) on location that are trained in First Aid | Guidelines for reporting workplace accidents/phone numbers, etc |
| Valid First Aid certificates for trained employees | Safe Airway barrier mask |
| An inspection card with spaces for recording the date of the most recent inspection of the first aid box and the signature of the person making the inspection | Pre-Paid Taxi Chits (minimum 2, one for transportation to the hospital, one for transportation back home) for use where an ambulance is unnecessary |
| List of local emergency numbers | Burn cream |
| WSIB/WCB Forms – Employers Accident Report (e.g. Form 7), Request for F.A.F., etc. | Disinfectant (Hand Sanitizer, Rubbing Alcohol Swabs, etc.) |
| Accident/Injury Reporting Form | Caution Tape |
| First Aid Treatment Records | Protective Gloves |
| Flashlight | Adhesive Tape |
| Scissors | Paper and pen |
| Defibrillator (AED) | Bleach |
| Tape Measure | Safety Glasses |
| Anti-biotic cream (Neosporin) | Emergency Blanket |
| Camera | |
Action Plan
1. Determine Compliance Requirements – Based on location, your organization may be required to maintain First Aid Kits that contain specific items based on the number of employees, distance from medical centers, and industry requirements.
2. Implement a First Aid Policy – Maintain your workplace compliance by ensuring up-to-date first-aid policies that provide guidelines for the health and safety of your organization. A First Aid Policy should establish:
- Defined Roles and Responsibilities regarding First Aid for Workers, Supervisors and Safety staff.
- Provision of First Aid training and education for employees in their respective roles.
- The location and access information for First Aid Kits.
- Information regarding the contents of each First Aid Kit.
- Policy and procedures for recording First Aid treatments.
- The posting requirements for First Aid certificates of all trained First-Aiders at First Aid stations.
- A schedule for First Aid Kit inspections.
3. Consider Locations for First Aid Kits – First Aid Kits must be kept in locations that are highly visible, and easily accessible. It is recommended that where possible, the qualified First-Aider be located nearby. Where there are multiple floors, or a vast floor-plan, more than one kit and qualified First Aider may be required. Consider placing a smaller First Aid Kit in company vehicles to ensure the health and safety of employees travelling on company business.
4. Perform Regular Inspections – First Aid Kits should be inspected quarterly and restocked by the designated First Aiders who work in the vicinity of the area. Each time the First Aid Kit is inspected, the responsible individual should sign and date a record of the inspection, any changes made and materials requisitioned.
5. Determine Ownership of Tasks – Assign specific individuals with responsibilities for the care-taking of First Aid Kits. Where an organization has a Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC), they will delegate the responsibility for this position. In the event that an organization does not necessitate a JHSC, they may elect to appoint a Safety Officer that will hold overall responsibilities for Health and Safety, including the First Aid Kits.
6. Provide Training – As organizations are required to maintain a qualified and trained employee with valid First Aid certification on-site for each shift, it is recommended that this form of training be paid for by the company. For all other employees, provide site-specific health and safety training. Use HRDs’
Health and Safety Orientation and Training Checklist.
Final Thought
The goal of First Aid is to give a sick or injured worker the best possible care before professional medical attention can be provided. This care is designed to prevent further injury or illness, promote recovery, and reduce severity by providing an immediate and effective response. By maintaining a well-stocked First Aid Kit and employing a workforce trained in appropriate health and safety protocols and first aid, your organization can dramatically reduce the number of injuries, and their severity. This will increase morale, and decrease time lost to injuries and WCB claims / premiums.
