Every workplace is required, by the law, to have a proper and fully equipped First-Aid box . As accidents can happen anytime, health and safety officials have to inspect the boxes regularly to avoid that the boxes have run out of content the moment they are needed most.
A first aid box is considered to be, and often being used, as the first-hand doctor as it can do huge damage control before the affected person is attended to by professional paramedics. The Occupational Health and Safety Act states that employers should do whatever it takes to provide a safe and secure workspace. The presence of a first aid box is the easiest thing they can do.
To determine if a workplace meets the basic criteria, the first aid box has to be included in a risk assessment. When employers do not comply with the basic requirements, awareness should be raised immediately.
The law describes the minimum content of the first aid kit:
- An antiseptic wound cleaner
- swabs for cleaning wounds
- cotton wool for padding
- sterile gauze
- a pair of forceps
- a pair of scissors
- a set of safety pins
- triangular bandages
- roller bandages (75mm times 5m)
- roller bandages (100mm times 5m)
- a roll of elastic adhesive non- allergenic adhesive strips
- a packet of adhesive dressing strips
- first aid dressing (75mm x 100mm)
- first aid dressing (150mm x 200mm)
- straight splits
- medium latex gloves
- large latex gloves
- CPR mouthpiece or similar device
Some Acts stipulate additional content to be included, like the Hazardous Chemical Regulations which expects employers to have eye wash cups or bottles along with their first aid boxes in case eyes need to be cleaned. Other Acts or regulations enforce employers to add masks, antihistamine ointment, ice packs, spillage kits and burn shields to the kit, especially in industries where hazardous chemicals and flames are part of the job.
During an assessment, it is vital to establish if employees have been equipped with knowledge and handling skills with regards to a first aid box. It would be disaster to have a safety tool which the people whom it should safe guard are clueless about how to use it.
Regular workshops should be conducted to demonstrate on how to use equipment. Special attention should be given to emphasising on the importance of this box regarding serving a life as well as the importance of reporting immediately when content is missing.
Employees should also be encouraged to be hygiene conscious and dispose any stained contents after they use the box or wipe the box clean after having been used in a bloody incident. The last thing an injured employee needs, is getting seriously ill from containing an infection through a blood-stained first aid box.
Health and safety officials should inspect each first-aid kit box at least once a month. During this inspection they should also ensure that signs are placed that indicate people about where they can find the box.
Don't make your first aid box becoming your last priority.
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