Recent query from a client:
I can’t remember where I heard this, may have even been at an OHSA seminar. Do you know anything about a general policy of not having aspirin or other medications in our company first aid kits as we may be liable if there were to be some sort of reaction.?
My response:
According to Cal OSHA Reg 1512, Emergency Medical Services, (c) First Aid Kit, item (3)
“Drugs, antiseptics, eye irrigation solutions, inhalants, medicines, or proprietary preparations shall not be included in first-aid kits unless specifically approved, in writing, by an employer-authorized, licensed physician.”
Your Workers’ Comp Loss Control Consultant, gave his feedback,
Client’s response for a company being possibly liable for providing employees anything that a person can be allergic to is correct (medications, i.e. anything swallowed, inhaled or topical creams. Antiseptic towelettes or cleansers are typically ok).
Our Loss Control Consultant also provided a link to a pretty good website for Cal-OSHA compliant first-aid kits.
For further information, go to the Cal-OSHA website providing more detail about what is required in First-Aid kits, which is dependent on the size of the employer.
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