According to the National Safety Council, in the United States, a worker is injured on the job every 7 seconds, impacting over four million workers annually. Is your workplace first aid kit up to date? Employers have a responsibility to provide access to first aid kits to assist ill and injured employees. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) establish minimum requirements for workplace first aid kits and supplies (ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021). ANSI released new guidelines for enhanced supplies since the previous update in 2015. Now is the time to upgrade your first aid to be ANSI 2021 compliant.

What is ANSI

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) – Minimum Requirements for Workplace First Aid Kits and Supplies (ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021) establishes minimum performance requirements for first aid kits and their supplies. First Aid kits are classified based on the assortment and quantity of first aid supplies intended to manage most types of injuries and sudden illnesses that may be encountered in the workplace. These may include major and minor wounds; minor burns; sprains and strains; and eye injuries. As each work environment is unique, it is expected that the contents of each kit will be supplemented as needed based upon the recommendations of a person competent in First Aid.

2021 Standards

The new standards include several enhancements from the previous 2015 ANSI standards. ANSI 2021 Standard includes two classes of kits: Class A for most common types of workplace injuries and Class B for a broader range and quantity of supplies for complex and high-risk environments. The 2021 standards now require a foil blanket for both classes of first aid kits. The updated standards distinguish more guidance on required types of tourniquets for ANSI B, with specific guidelines to be most effective at preventing blood loss. Additionally, the updated standards include more guidance on separately packed bleeding control kits with more advanced guidance for identifying workplace hazards.

Selecting the Right Kit

Employers should identify the appropriate kits by conducting a workplace hazard assessment, identifying what types of injuries may occur in relation to hazards and assessing the types of first aid supplies needed to treat the injuries. Class A kits are available for the most common types of workplace injuries while Class B kits provide supplies for more advanced treatment. 

Comply with New Standards by October 15, 2022

First aid kits and cabinets should be updated to the new ANSI/ISEA Z2308-2021 standards by October 15, 2022.

Keeping Your Workplace Safe

Safety of your employees a top priority. To keep your employees safe, upgrade all first aid kits and cabinets to ANSI 2021 standards. Employers should implement a regular maintenance routine to supplement supplies as needed, inspect first aid kits monthly, and after each first aid emergency. Remember to clean and disinfect the cabinets on a regular basis.

For More Information on the 2021 ANSI Standards

• Just the Facts flyer (safetyequipment.org)
• Infographic_UpdateFirstAidKits.jpg (612×1585) (safetyequipment.org)

Connect with Saf-T-Gard to Learn More

Industrial safety is our legacy going back 9 decades. For an overview of our First Aid Only first aid products and ANSI-compliant kits, and to order for immediate shipment, please visit First Aid Only.

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