What specific injuries should a construction first aid kit cover?
Short Answer: Everyone can agree that construction sites are one of the most dangerous workplaces, where injuries are more often than not serious and life-threatening. As such, any first aid kit in a construction site must be equipped to deal with a wide range of injuries, including concussions, cuts & lacerations, fractures, and many more.
To fully understand what makes a specific first aid kit the best first aid kit for construction workers, we need to take a look at:
● The OSHA requirements for construction first aid kits
● The essential safety gear and first aid items
● The best first aid kits for high-risk worksites
● The proper placement of first aid kits on construction sites.
OSHA Requirements for Construction First Aid Kits
● Section 1926.23 - “First aid services and provisions for medical care shall be made available by the employer for every employee covered by these regulations. Regulations prescribing specific requirements for first aid, medical attention, and emergency facilities are contained in Subpart D of this part.”
● Section 1926.50(a)- “The employer shall ensure the availability of medical personnel for advice and consultation on matters of occupational health.”
● Section 1926.50(b)- Provisions shall be made before commencement of the project for prompt medical attention in case of serious injury.
● Section 1926.50(c)- When an infirmary, clinic, hospital, or physician is not reasonably accessible in terms of time and distance from the worksite, the employer must make sure to have a person with a valid certificate in first aid to provide first aid at the worksite.
● Section 1926.50 (d) (“1”)- “First aid supplies shall be easily accessible when required.”
● Section 1926.50 (d) (2)- “The contents of the first aid kit shall be placed in a weatherproof container with individual sealed packages for each type of item and shall be checked by the employer before being sent out on each job and at least weekly on each job to ensure that the expended items are replaced.”
● Section 1926.50 (e)- Proper equipment for prompt transportation of the injured person to a physician or hospital, or a communication system for contacting necessary ambulance service, shall be provided.”
● Section 1926.50 (f) (“1”)- “In areas where 911 emergency dispatch services are not available, the telephone numbers of the physicians, hospitals, or ambulances shall be conspicuously posted.”
● Section 1926.50 (f) (2)- In areas where 911 emergency services are available, the employer must ensure the communication system is effective and provide information to help identify the location of the worksite. However, an employer will not need to identify the location if it has a telephone landline that will allow 911 to automatically identify your location.
● Section 1926.50 (“g”)- “Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use.”
Essential Safety Gear and First Aid Items
According to OSHA Regulation Appendix A, Sec. 1910.266, the following first aid items and safety gear are essential for construction sites. It also mentions that the contents listed shall only be adequate for a small worksite with 2-3 employees. For larger operations, additional first aid kits and additional quantities of supplies must be provided.
● Gauze pads (at least 4 x 4 inches)
● Two large gauze pads (8 x 10 inches)
● Box of adhesive bandages
● One package of gauze roller bandage at least two inches wide
● Two triangular bandages
● Wound cleaning agents
● Scissors
● One blanket
● Tweezers
● Adhesive tape
● Latex gloves
● Resuscitation equipment (resuscitation bag, airway, or pocket mask)
● Two elastic wraps
● Splint
● Directions for requesting emergency assistance
Best First Aid Kits for High-Risk Worksites
A first aid kit for a high-risk workplace must be robust, durable, and contain everything you need and more. If you’re looking for the one-stop solution to all your workplace safety needs, then look no further than SURVIVAL. Our high-risk workplace kits are carefully labelled, organized, and contain all the right supplies necessary to deal with any kind of emergency. Don’t leave safety to chance pick up a kit from SURVIVAL.
Proper Placement of Kits on Construction Sites
When it comes to the proper placement of first aid kits on construction sites, you must carry out a site-specific safety assessment and consider the following factors.
● Location- The first aid kits should be placed in central areas that are frequented by construction site workers. Therefore, breakrooms, stairwells, and central corridors are ideal locations to place first aid kits. You must also consider that the kits should be kept away from heat, humidity, and direct sunlight.
● Accessibility- The kit should be readily accessible to anyone without having to face multiple obstructions.
● Proximity to hazards- If your kit has first aid kits specially designed to deal with a particular hazard, they should be placed in proximity to the areas where the hazard can result in injury.
Furthermore, it must be acknowledged that a single first aid kit may not be able to cover the needs of all the workers at a construction site. Therefore, you must also be required to come up with a plan to place multiple first aid kits all over the construction site. 
Related Questions
Q: What is the OSHA “Fatal Four”?
The “Fatal Four,” also known as the “Focus Four,” are the four most common causes of injuries on the construction site. They include falls, being struck by objects, being caught in/between objects, and electrocutions.
Q: What are the most common injuries in construction sites?
The most common injuries you can expect in construction sites include lacerations, sprains, puncture wounds, burns, fractures, and eye injuries from debris.
Q: What makes construction-specific first aid kits different from regular first aid kits?
Construction-specific first aid kits are typically larger and made from sturdier materials. They also contain more heavy-duty supplies such as trauma dressings, cold packings, and splints.
Conclusion
Construction sites are high-risk work environments, and the injuries that occur can be serious and life-threatening. When it comes to selecting the right first aid kit for construction workers, it's more than just compliance. Your kit has to be rugged, clearly labelled, and well-stocked with all the supplies you need to deal with emergencies. Don’t leave safety to chance—make the smart choice for your workplace and workers with SURVIVAL’s workplace first aid kit. Because when it comes to safety, there is no room for compromise.