0
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Essential First Aid Kit at Workplace: You Need to know

Essential First Aid Kit at Workplace: You Need to know

essential-first-aid-kit-at-workplace-you-need-to-know

Accidents can occur at any workplace, no matter how secure and safe it may seem. That is why every workplace must have apt provisions for first aid facilities. Keeping a first aid kit at workplace can save lives and prevent minor injuries from becoming major ones. 

This article will discuss what is first aid and the reasons behind keeping a first aid kit at workplace. And we will also discuss what a first aid kit should include spending upon the nature of the workplace. So, let’s get started!

Table of Contents

What is First Aid?

Before we talk about essential first aid kit at workplace, let’s discuss what is first aid. The immediate medical care that an injured or ill individual requires until they receive full medical treatment is first aid. 

first-aid-kit-at-construction-site

Correspondingly, the aim of first aid is to care for the injury or illness of an individual. The intention is to put them at ease and prevent any further discomfort. There should be designated individuals at every workplace who are responsible for administering first aid. 

Qualified first-aiders should get first aid training specific to their work environment. Moreover, first-aiders need to be able to assess a range of different situations. In essence, first aid is an immediate measure until further medical assistance arrives. 

Three Reasons to Keep a First Aid Kit at Workplace

Accidents can happen anytime at the workplace, even when it is undesirable. Hence, a first aid kit at the workplace is essential to tackle such medical emergencies. Here are the top three reasons you should keep a first aid kit at workplace. 

1. Treat Injuries Quickly

You can handle a medical emergency as quickly as possible in the presence of a first aid kit. Not to mention, a delay of just a single minute can cause irreconcilable damage in case of an emergency. Moreover, a first aid kit provides basic and instant care for common medical injuries. These include cuts, burns, minor injuries, among others.

doctor-hand-dressing-injury

2. Risk of Complications are Less

In most cases, a well-equipped first aid kit can prevent further complications with the injury or medical condition. A first aid kit can also be very cost-effective. A wound getting immediate first aid attention is less likely to require complex attention in the future. 

3. Relieves Pain & Discomfort

An injury can be messy, with severe blood loss or burning pain. The first aid kit contains medical products that can stop blood loss or prevent burn damages immediately. Moreover, the goal of first aid is to relieve pain and discomfort. So, appropriate first aid treatment is necessary to prevent any further damage. 

Five Tips for First Aid at Workplace

Let’s look at 5 basic tips for the application of a first aid kit at workplace.  

1. Know the Primary Goal of First Aid

First aid is not a proper medical treatment. It is just giving immediate attention to an injured person to prevent the injury from getting worse. And it also helps reduce their pain. A first aid kit at workplace will let you help an injured person until medical professionals make it to the scene. In addition, the goal of first aid is to preserve life, prevent further injury and promote recovery.

first-aider-at-workplace-measuring-temperature

Thus, prepare the first aid kit at workplace with the goal to keep an injured person safe and alive. This will help them recover quickly after getting treatment from medical professionals.

2. First – Assess the Scene 

It is important for you to assess the scene first before you rush in to provide first aid at the workplace. There are a few techniques you can adapt to properly assess the scene of an accident.

Scan the Scene for Danger

Survey the area around the injured person and check for any hazard or danger. Enter to provide first aid if the scene is safe to proceed. It is crucial to assess and eliminate the dangers before you rush in with the first aid kit at workplace. However, contact emergency services right away if the scene is not safe.

Find the Cause of Injury

Give your best to locate the cause of injury after it is safe to approach the injured person. You can be more helpful to medical professionals the more you know about the cause of injury.

Don’t Shift the Injured Person & Call 999  

It is crucial that you do not try to move the injured person until the emergency medical services arrive. It would be difficult for a first-aider to assess any internal injury of the injured person. And a medical professional can best determine how to move the injured individual. In addition, call the emergency services immediately after assessing the scene and individuals’ injury.

first-aid-kit-at-workplace-injured-worker

If there are bystanders, you must place them all to emergency services. It will help them dispatch appropriate assistance as per the requirement of the scene. Try to stay on the line unless the operator instructs you to hang up.

3. Apply the Good Samaritan Law

If you witness any injury even outside your workplace, it is crucial that you help whenever you can. There is a good samaritan law that provides legal protection to those who provide first aid to injured or endangered persons. The good samaritan law was created so that you don’t have to worry about negative repercussions if the injury is too serious.

4. Learn about the Primary Medical Conditions in the Workplace

It is always safe to be in the know about common medical conditions in the workplace. It helps in assembling a proper first aid kit at workplace too. And if you are familiar with the conditions, you will be able to provide better first aid care. Some of the most common medical conditions in the workplace include,

  • Respiratory-related diseases such as asthma attacks, choking, allergic reactions.
  • Heart attacks
  • Strokes
  • Seizure

Try getting training that will help you identify these medical conditions. It will be easy for you to notice the warning signs the better you prepare yourself. You can call for help right away when you learn to recognise the warning signs.

5. Protect Yourself First

When it comes to providing first aid, you must remember to ensure your safety first. Do not engage in a situation where it might risk your life as well. Here is a list of precautions you should take to make sure you are protected before providing first aid.

  • First-aiders at the workplace should wear PPE. Wearing PPE protects yourself from exposure.
  • Avoid entering the scene if there’s any risk. While assessing the scene, you may realise it will pose a threat to your life. In such cases, it is best to keep yourself safe and call the emergency services.
  • Allow someone with more medical training to take over the first-aid procedure if they are present. However, you can still help by calling emergency services, escorting emergency personnel to the scene, etc.

First Aid Kit at Workplace: Who is Responsible for Health & Safety?

A person conducting a business has the primary responsibility to practically enforce first aid guidelines. A proprietor is responsible for ensuring workers are not exposed to health and safety risks. The business person must provide first aid equipment and ensure each worker at the workplace has access to the types of equipment. And they also need to ensure access to facilities for the administration of first aid.

first-aid-for-injured-construction-worker

Enrol in our workplace first aid training course today and become a professional first-aider. This training course is also suitable for all workplace employees. Knowing how to use a first aid kit is equally important for every employer and employee. And our training course will equip you with the skills to effectively react and help in emergency situations.

Workplace First Aid Training
Become a professional first aider and use your skills effectively to save lives in potentially life threatening situations.
Enrol Now
Workplace First Aid Training
Become a professional first aider and use your skills effectively to save lives in potentially life threatening situations.
Enrol Now

Importance of having First Aid Kit at Workplace

Having first aid at workplace is crucial to maintain the safety of all employees. Every employee has the right to a first aid kit at workplace if they fall ill or encounter a sudden injury. According to the Health and Safety Regulations of 1981, every employer in the UK must ensure adequate facilities for first aid at workplace.

first-aid-kit-at-workplace-medicines-stethoscope

When thorough first aid procedures and facilities are not established, an organisation will be subject to investigation. Workplace first aid facilities and training of first aid of every organisation are under the inspection of the UK Health Executive. Thus, knowledge and training of first aid in the workplace will ensure that all employees are part of a safe environment. In addition, your organisation will also remain compliant with UK legislation.

Also, knowledge and training of first aid in the workplace demonstrate the employer’s care and commitment to protecting employees. This way, in case of emergency assistance, will be available, and the safety of everyone in the workplace will be ensured.

Assessment of First Aid Risk in the Workplace

Conducting a first aid assessment of your workplace is a must. First aid risk assessment helps analyse the particular risks and hazards which are present in your workplace. On top of that, it will help you to decide what type of first aid equipment you will need to equip your workplace.

providing-first-aid-to-sick-worker

Consider the following questions and criteria while conducting the risk assessment for your workplace.

  • Depending on how large your organisation is, you have to assess how many trained first-aiders you will need.
  • Take into consideration the nature of your workplace and ask will that affect the type of first aid equipment you will need at the workplace.
  • Do you have any employees with particular medical conditions that need to be accounted for in the first aid training?
  • Depending on how big your organisation is, consider whether you need first aid rooms in the workplace and if so how many?
  • Investigate if any particular area in the workplace is more hazardous than others.

Afterwards, you will need to delegate the appropriate number of first aid representatives when you are done with the first aid assessment. It will ensure that there are designated first-aiders in case of a medical emergency in the workplace. 

5 Essential First Aid Kit at Workplace

Having a basic first aid kit at workplace is always important. Certainly, a well-developed and integrated workplace health and safety program will mitigate many injuries. Here are 5 essential first aid kits that you need for all kinds of major and minor injuries.

1. Latex Gloves 

While you shouldn’t prevent yourself from helping an injured person, make sure that you protect yourself first. Wearing latex gloves is a must for first-aiders while handling the injured person. So, make sure to stock your first aid kit at workplace with latex gloves. 

doctor-wearing-latex-gloves

2. Band-Aids/ Plasters

Band-aids or plasters are commonly essential for every type of first aid kit at workplace. Opt for waterproof plasters with built-in antibiotic ointment. This type of plaster serves a versatile purpose. 

3. Bandages

Make sure to have a selection of joint bandages for injuries pertaining to the joint. Joint injuries usually need strapping straight away to prevent long-term damage. To keep the injured body part from moving, using the correct joint-shaped bandage is necessary.

nurse-bandages-injured-arm

4. Tweezers

Tweezers come in handy for removing insect stingers, ticks, splitters, and more. However, always make sure to sterilise the tip of the tweezer with alcohol before using them. 

5. Instant Ice Packs

Instant ice packs are necessary for common injuries such as minor falls, sprains, etc. Applying ice packs is always a good idea to reduce the pain and swelling. Make sure to have reusable ice packs in the freezer of your workplace as well. 

What Items to Keep in a First Aid Kit at Workplace?

We’ve discussed 5 must-have items in your first aid kit. However, there are several other items employers need to include in the first aid kits. The nature of first aid items will depend on the hazard and risk assessment done in the workplace. To make things easy for you, we’ve categorised the nature of first aid kits depending on the workplace risk level.

first-aid-kit-at-workplace-bandages-scissor-tweezers

First Aid Kit at Workplace with Low Risk

For low-risk workplaces, a first aid kit should cover equipment for testing minor illnesses and injuries. For instance, cuts, grazes, minor burns, etc. So, a low-risk workplace first aid kit should include,

  • Disposable sterile gloves
  • Sterile eye bandages
  • Different sizes of sterile gauze dressings
  • Adhesive tape
  • Burn dressings
  • Painkillers
  • Antiseptic cream
  • Alcohol-free cleansing wipes
  • Scissors

First Aid Kit at Workplace with High Risk

A workplace with a higher risk has the potential to expose workers to situations that could lead to more significant injuries. So, a first aid kit at the workplace with high risk should include, 

  • Hydrogel dressings
  • Sterile dressings
  • Moist wipes
  • Burn gel dressings
  • Bandage rolls
  • Eye baths
  • Sterile eye pads
  • Burn treatment sachets
  • Safety pins
  • Disposable gloves
  • Triangular bandages

Ideally, you should place the first aid kit in an area that is easily accessible and visible. It should have a sign attached to it highlighting the first aid kit words. Also, it is important to review the contents of the first aid box regularly to ensure the products have not expired. An individual apart from the first-aider should be responsible for maintaining the first aid kit at workplace. 

Conclusion

In the workplace, knowledge, and training about the importance of first aid is essential. Furthermore, it is important for a first-aider to be present immediately in case of a medical emergency at the workplace. In essence, the content of a first aid kit at workplace largely depends on what the company’s needs are. And these needs must be carefully identified during the first aid risk assessment. 

Learn More

October 25, 2023

 

0
    0
    Your Cart
    Return to Shop

    Upgrade to get unlimited LIFETIME ACCESS to ALL COURSES for only £99

    ADD OFFER TO CART

    This price is available for a limited time only.

      Apply Coupon
        Training Express Logo Dark

        Why a Privacy Policy?

        The Training Express privacy policy (the “Privacy Policy”) is all about letting you know as a Training Express customer that we take the protection and management of your personal information very seriously. As a UK based business our handling of your information is controlled by the UK Data Protection Act 2018). We therefore take great care to protect your personal information or anything which might identify you personally such as:

        • Name
        • Email address
        • Organisation information (e.g. Name, Address, Telephone number)

        How do we collect information about you?

        Training Express offers services which can be purchased via the website and application and can be paid for online or offline. During the purchase process we will require personal and organisation information. Training Express also offers a free trial via the website which require the same personal and organisation information.

        How do we use your information?

        Information we obtain from you is used to:

        • Improve and extend our services
        • Respond to your requests for specific services
        • Analyse user/purchaser/visitor interactions
        • Market additional Training Express services

        Legal requests for information

        Training Express may be required under court order to provide personally identifiable information to government authorities. Providing such government departments/agencies have legal right to access our records and such enquiries are correctly made, we will supply such authorities with the information they require.

        With whom do we share your information?

        We would only share personally identifiable information with third parties if:

        • you agree to us sharing this information.
        • we are forced to bring legal actions against a subscriber who has breached our user agreement.
        • we sell, assign or transfer all or part of Training Express and the services it provides, providing your personal information is sold, assigned or transferred only to the acquirer as part of such a transaction.
        • they are providing services to Training Express. Such third parties are limited in their rights to use such information only for the provision of these services to Training Express.
        • they are affiliates subject to privacy policies that protect your personally identifiable information from disclosure are comparable to this privacy policy.

        How long do we retain your information?

        We retain your information so long as you remain a subscriber and by default for 12 months subsequent to termination of your subscription. You can request earlier permanent deletion of your data if you wish but your data will reside in backups for a period of 3 months thereafter.

        Information Security

        The Training Express website and application have various security measures in place to protect the loss, misuse and alteration of the information under our control. Although no security measure is fool proof, we believe that these measures are consistent with good practice as 2 of 5 Privacy Policy modern technology permits. For more information on information security please see our Information Security Statement.

        Email Privacy

        We follow email marketing best practices at all time. A key aspect of these best practices is the operation of permission based emailing. If you receive emails from Training Express or a partner it will be because you have elected to receive such emails or they are communications related specifically to services requested.

        Call Privacy

        We record all incoming and outgoing calls for contractual and training purposes. Call recordings are retained for a period of 24 months and are never shared with third parties.

        Outbound links

        The Training Express website and application contain links to other websites. While links are reviewed at the time of publishing we are not responsible for the content of external links as they can be changed without our knowledge.

        Your rights

        You have various rights in respect of the personal information Training Express holds about you – these are set out in more detail below. If you wish to exercise any of these rights, you can do so by contacting Training Express at www.Training Express.co.uk/contact-us. Please note that you will need to provide Training Express with evidence of your identity.

        Request access to your personal information: You can ask Training Express to give you a copy of the personal information that Training Express holds about you.

        Request correction: You can ask Training Express to change or complete any inaccurate or incomplete personal information held about you.

        Request erasure: You can ask Training Express to delete your personal information where it is no longer necessary for Training Express to use it, you have withdrawn consent, or where Training Express has no lawful basis for keeping it. 

        Right to object: You can object to Training Express processing of your personal information where Training Express is relying on a legitimate interest (or those of a third party) and there is something about your particular situation which makes you want to object to processing on this ground. You also have the right to object where Training Express is processing your personal information for direct marketing purposes.

        Request restriction: You can ask Training Express to restrict our use of your personal information in the following circumstances: a) if you want us to establish the data’s accuracy; (b) where Training Express’s use of the data is unlawful but you do not want Training Express to erase it; (c) where you need Training Express to hold the data even if Training Express no longer require it as you need it to establish, exercise or defend legal claims; or (d) if you have objected to our use of your data but Training Express needs to verify whether Training Express has overriding legitimate grounds to use it.

        Request transfer: You can ask us to provide you or a third party with some of the personal information that Training Express holds about you in a structured, commonly used, electronic form, so it can be easily transferred.

        Withdraw consent: If you have given Training Express your consent to use personal information (for example, for marketing), you can withdraw your consent at any time. You will not have to pay a fee to access your personal data (or to exercise any of the other rights). However, Training Express may charge a reasonable fee if your request is clearly unfounded, repetitive or excessive. Training Express tries to respond to all legitimate requests within one month. Occasionally it may take Training Express longer than a month if your request is particularly complex or you have made a number of requests. In this case, Training Express will notify you and keep you updated.

        Use of Cookies

        Cookies are small files which many websites transfer to your hard disk. They can inform the website what pages you visit, and your preferences, which enable websites to provide you with a more personalised service. You can set your browser to refuse cookies or to warn you before accepting them.


        We use cookies, but most parts of our site can be accessed even if your cookies are turned off. But you may find there are parts of the site which you cannot access if your cookies are turned off.

        We work with several third-party services that use cookies, including:

        **Rakuten Advertising Cookies:**

        – **rmStoreGateway**: Used for affiliate marketing tracking (expires after 180 days)

        – Stores: Merchant ID, Encrypted Affiliate ID, Click ID, and timestamps

        – Purpose: Ensures proper commission attribution for our affiliate partners

        – **rmuid**: Used by Rakuten Advertising Affiliate Network for targeting (expires within 365 days)

        These cookies help us track referrals from our marketing partners. For more information, please see:

        Rakuten Advertising’s Privacy Policy

        Contact information

        If you have any issues with correcting this information in our database or queries concerning this policy please email support@trainingexpress.org.uk or call us on +44 (0) 2081583412

        We endeavour to respond to all support requests within 24 hrs.

        Policy changes

        Training Express reserves the right to change its privacy policies at any time. Up to date policies are always available on our website. 4 of 5 Privacy Policy Legal Agreement This Privacy Policy forms part of a legal agreement between you and Training Express.