First Aid Kits in Manufacturing: Required Contents, Best Practices, and Inspections

Frequently Asked Questions

Does OSHA require a specific list of items in a manufacturing first aid kit?

No. OSHA requires adequate and readily available first aid supplies, but it does not publish one universal contents list for all manufacturing workplaces.

What standard should we use to choose first aid kit contents?

ANSI/ISEA Z308.1 is the best baseline for workplace first aid kits. From there, you should add supplies based on your site's actual hazards and response time to medical care.

How often do first aid kits need to be inspected?

OSHA does not set one universal inspection interval for all kits. A strong program uses routine scheduled inspections, more frequent checks in high-use areas, and immediate restocking after any use.

Should every department have the same first aid kit?

Not always. Standardizing kits by area type is helpful, but manufacturing sites should add supplies for specific hazards such as burns, chemicals, or higher laceration risks.

What should an inspection of a first aid kit include?

Inspectors should check location, accessibility, inventory completeness, expiration dates where applicable, cleanliness, and whether used or damaged items need replacement.