A first aid kit is one of the four major components of workplace first aid as outlined in the Guidelines on First Aid In The Workplace published by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). Besides having a comprehensive emergency response plan and competent first aiders, well-maintained first aid kits are key to the smooth activation of the first aid team. Even though upkeeping a first aid kit sounds simple, several mistakes are often overlooked in the workplace.
1. Ignoring DOSH Guidelines on first aid kits
DOSH has laid down several requirements for workplace first aid kits, including the box design, locations where the first aid kits should be placed, and the recommended content. The requirements are comprehensive and good reference if your organization has just started setting up the workplace first aid system. Without following the guidelines, it might be a hit-and-miss situation when preparing the first aid kits for your workplace.
These are the recommended content of a first aid kit:
- Five triangular bandages (130cm x 90cm x 90cm)
- Sterile eye pads
- Non-sterile gauze pads (4×4”)
- Sterile gauze pads (4×4”)
- Sterile gauze pads (10×10”)
- Elastic bandage
- Four Roller bandages (7.5 cm)
- Four Roller bandages (3 cm)
- Four Roller bandages (2.5 cm)
- Cold pack compress gel
- Burn sheet or dressing
- Pairs of disposable non-sterile gloves
- Stainless steel bandage scissors
- Adhesive tape
- Sterile multi-trauma dressing or gauze
- Alcohol prep pads
- Cetavlon
- Cotton buds
- Barrier devices for CPR such as pocket masks, face shields, etc.
- Elastoplasts/sterile adhesive dressing
- Safety pin for triangular bandages
- Thermometer
- First aid manual
- Waterproof waste bag
- Checklist of the first aid kit content
2. Using the store-bought first aid kits without considering specific workplace needs
Store-bought first aid kits are usually good for home use and not designed to follow DOSH guidelines. When it comes to the workplace, several criteria should be considered when preparing the first aid kits:
- The type of industry
- The number of workers and work shifts
- The location of the workplace and status of infrastructure in relation to the nearest medical clinic or hospital
For example, the first aid kits need more roller bandages than recommended if the risk of soft tissue injury is high. On the other hand, if the employees work with high-temperature equipment, get extra burn sheets. The first aid kit content should be tailored to meet your workplace needs. A standard first aid kit might not be sufficient to meet your workplace first aid needs.
3. Overstuffing the first aid kits with unnecessary items
A first aid kit filled to the brim does not help with first aid because it takes rummaging to look for the item needed for the specific situation. The content of the first aid kit should be arranged so that the first aider can have an overview of each item when they open the kit. If more items are needed, they should be divided into several first aid kits instead of overloading one first aid kit.
Oral medication such as paracetamol and other painkillers should not be found in first aid kits as it does not play a role in preserving life during an emergency.
4. Neglecting regular first aid kit inspections
First aid kits should be inspected regularly as part of the routine safety check in the workplace. It ensures that:
- All items are in stock and always replenished after use.
- The conditions of the items are good (not damaged, moldy, etc.).
- Sterile items and antiseptic are still within their expiry dates.
Damaged or expired items can compromise the first aid operation, potentially leading to an infection. It is ideal to keep the checklist of the content with expiry dates updated in the first aid kit.
5. Overlooking proper storage conditions of the first aid kits
Besides being identifiable, well-illuminated, and accessible, the first aid kits should be kept in proper storage conditions to prolong the lifespan of the content. A location that is too humid, too hot, and dirty can damage and contaminate the items, rendering them useless for first aid.
The first aid kits should be stored in a cool, dry place away from the sunlight and any source of contamination.
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As minor as managing a first aid kit, employees in charge should be appointed to be accountable for upkeeping the first aid kits in the workplace. They should undergo first aid training and be informed about the DOSH guidelines to avoid these mistakes so that the right tools are always ready in hand when a medical emergency occurs.
