First Aid Kits for Small Businesses: What to Consider

First Aid Kits

When running a small business, it’s easy to get caught up in daily operations—serving customers, managing staff, and keeping the lights on. But one area that’s often overlooked until it’s urgently needed is first aid preparedness. Most business owners know they should have a first aid kit on site, but many aren’t sure what it sh ould contain—or whether it’s truly ready to be used. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right contents depend on the nature of your work, the risks your team might encounter, and how much training your staff has. Here are some practical considerations to guide you as you evaluate or build your workplace first aid kit.

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Start with the Basics

Almost every business should have a core set of supplies to handle minor cuts, scrapes, and other common injuries. These typically include:

• Adhesive bandages

• Gauze pads and medical tape

• Antiseptic wipes

• Antibiotic ointment

• Nitrile gloves

• Scissors and tweezers

• Digital thermometer

• CPR face shield

• Cold packs

• Emergency blanket

If you don’t already have these on hand, they’re a good place to start. But stopping there may not be enough.

Consider the Risks in Your Work Environment

Think about the kinds of incidents that are more likely to happen in your line of work. For example:

• In salons or barbershops, minor cuts, burns from hot tools, and chemical exposure are realistic possibilities.

• In kitchens or food trucks, burns, knife injuries, and slips are more common.

• In workshops, garages, or construction settings, you may face more serious injuries, from punctures to crush injuries.

Your first aid kit should reflect the actual risks your employees face—not just the minimum OSHA requirement.

Will Anyone Know How to Use the Supplies?

This is an important point. Some items are only helpful if someone knows how to use them. For instance:

• Narcan (naloxone) can be life-saving during an opioid overdose, but staff should be trained to recognize symptoms and administer it properly.

• Burn dressings and eye wash stations require correct application techniques.

• CPR masks are only effective if someone knows how to perform CPR.

• Blood spill cleanup kits involve safety procedures that need to be followed carefully to avoid exposure to pathogens.

If you’re planning to include items like these, consider whether your team has had any formal training—or if it’s time to schedule a session.

Legal and Practical Considerations

While many first aid items are available over the counter, there are still a few things to keep in mind:

• Medications (even non-prescription) should be sealed and labeled clearly. Staff should never be required or expected to administer medication unless properly trained.

• Accessibility matters. Kits should be easy to find and not blocked by storage or furniture.

• Regular inspections should be scheduled—quarterly is a good rule of thumb—to replace expired or used supplies.

Also consider whether your business has a posted emergency plan and whether your employees know what to do in a serious situation.

Planning for the Right Level of Readiness

You don’t have to overthink this—but you shouldn’t ignore it either. Your first aid kit is one of the most practical forms of risk management you can implement. It shows your employees and customers that you take their safety seriously.

If you’re unsure about what’s appropriate for your specific business, industry, or location, consulting with a safety professional can help tailor your kit to your real needs.

Want Help Getting It Right?

At APEX Independent Contractors LLC, we help small business owners develop practical emergency response plans through our Security & Emergency Response Preparedness Assessment (SERPA) program. We offer support with first aid readiness, emergency planning, and staff training considerations—all designed for busy, growing businesses.

Contact UsWebsite: www.apexicllc.com

Link to SERPA

Prepare. Protect. Prevail.

Disclaimer:

This post is for general informational purposes only and reflects considerations based on professional experience in operational safety and planning. APEX Independent Contractors LLC is not a licensed medical provider and does not offer certified medical instruction. Always consult with qualified healthcare or regulatory professionals for decisions regarding medical supplies and emergency response procedures.