OSHA first aid kit requirements: what every employer must know

Last updated 2026-07-09

What does OSHA actually require for first aid kits?

The core rule is 29 CFR 1910.151(b), which states: "In the absence of an infirmary, clinic, or hospital in near proximity to the workplace which is used for the treatment of all injured employees, a person or persons shall be adequately trained to render first aid. Adequate first aid supplies shall be readily available." ^[1] That's it. OSHA's general industry standard does not name a precise supply list or a minimum number of kits. It says "adequate" and "readily available," and leaves the rest to you.

That word "adequate" is where most employers get stuck. OSHA fills the gap by pointing to ANSI/ISEA Z308.1, the American National Standard for Minimum Requirements for Workplace First Aid Kits and Supplies. OSHA cites this standard in its compliance letters and inspection guidance as the baseline for what adequacy looks like. ^[2] If your kit meets ANSI/ISEA Z308.1, you're on solid ground with an inspector.

The ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021 standard (the current version as of this writing) sorts kits into two classes: Class A for low-complexity hazards, Class B for higher-risk environments. It also sets minimum quantities for each item. A Class A kit, for example, has to include at least 16 adhesive bandages, 2 absorbent compress dressings, 10 antiseptic applications, and 1 pair of medical exam gloves, among other items. ^[2]

One thing to be clear about: OSHA does not sell or certify kits. A label reading "OSHA compliant" on a retail kit is a marketing claim, not a government stamp. What matters is whether the contents match ANSI/ISEA Z308.1 for your hazard level and workforce size.

Which OSHA standard applies to your industry?

General industry gets 29 CFR 1910.151. Construction falls under 29 CFR 1926.50. Shipyard employment has 29 CFR 1915.87, and 29 CFR 1917 and 1918 cover marine terminals and longshoring. Agriculture sits under 29 CFR 1928.110. Each standard uses similar "adequate" language but differs in how proximity to medical facilities gets evaluated. ^[1][3]

For construction specifically, 29 CFR 1926.50(d)(1) says: "First aid supplies shall be easily accessible when required." The construction standard also adds a provision that where workers are exposed to injurious corrosive materials on the eyes or body, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing must be provided near the work area. That's a separate requirement, and it gets missed when people fixate on the first aid kit alone. ^[3]

State-plan states can set rules at least as protective as federal OSHA. California's Cal/OSHA, for instance, has its own Title 8 regulations that reference specific supply lists. If you're in one of the 29 states or territories with an OSHA-approved state plan, check your state's requirements on top of the federal baseline.

Industry Sector	OSHA Standard	Notes
General industry	29 CFR 1910.151	References ANSI/ISEA Z308.1
Construction	29 CFR 1926.50	Adds eye/body wash requirements
Shipyard employment	29 CFR 1915.87	More prescriptive supply list
Agriculture	29 CFR 1928.110	Applies to employers of 11+ workers
Maritime terminals	29 CFR 1917/1918	Separate from shipyard rules

What supplies must a compliant first aid kit contain?

OSHA defers to ANSI/ISEA Z308.1 on contents, so that standard is your practical checklist. ^[2] The 2021 version splits kits into Class A and Class B.

Class A kits cover the most common workplace injuries: minor cuts, abrasions, minor burns, and sprains. They must include:

• Adhesive bandages (assorted): minimum 16
• Absorbent compress dressing (4x8 inch minimum): minimum 2
• Adhesive tape (2.5 yards): minimum 1
• Antibiotic application: minimum 10
• Antiseptic application: minimum 10
• Breathing barrier: minimum 1
• Burn treatment (at least 6 sq in coverage): minimum 2
• Cold pack: minimum 1
• Eye covering with means of attachment: minimum 2
• Eye/skin wash (1 fl oz): minimum 1
• First aid guide: minimum 1
• Hand sanitizer (minimum 0.6 fl oz): minimum 6
• Medical exam gloves (pair): minimum 2
• Roller bandage (2 inch width): minimum 1
• Roller bandage (4 inch width): minimum 1
• Scissors: minimum 1
• Sterile pad (3x3 inch): minimum 2
• Triangular bandage: minimum 1

Class B kits carry all of the above in larger quantities, plus a trauma pad, a tourniquet, and additional items suited to higher-risk workplaces. ^[2]

The ANSI list is a floor, not a ceiling. OSHA letters of interpretation make clear that the specific hazards in your workplace can require more. A shop that handles chemicals needs eyewash stations and larger eye wash units than a Class A kit provides. A facility with electrical hazards might need burn dressings beyond the minimum count. "Adequate for the hazards" means you run a hazard assessment and stock to match what you find.

How many first aid kits does your workplace need?

OSHA's general industry standard names no ratio of kits to employees. It uses the word "adequate," and OSHA letters of interpretation say adequacy depends on headcount, facility size, and the nature of the hazards. ^[4]

The practical guidance most compliance professionals follow comes from ANSI/ISEA Z308.1, which ties kit class and quantity to three workplace units: Unit 1 (1-25 employees, low hazard), Unit 2 (1-25 employees, high hazard or 26-75 employees, low hazard), and Unit 3 (26-75 employees, high hazard or 76-200 employees, low hazard). Above 200 workers, expect multiple kits or a dedicated first aid station. ^[2]

The geometry of your building matters as much as your headcount. A single kit at the front office of a 20,000 square foot warehouse isn't adequate if a worker in the back would spend four minutes reaching it. OSHA's standard says supplies must be "readily available," and inspectors have cited employers for kits that were locked, inaccessible mid-shift, or so far from the work area they failed that test.

Here's the rule of thumb I'd use: no worker should travel more than 3 to 5 minutes to reach a kit. That's not a codified OSHA number, but it lines up with the intent of the standard and with how OSHA letters of interpretation describe "readily available." ^[4]

Does OSHA require a trained first aid responder on site?

Yes, with one condition. 29 CFR 1910.151(b) requires that "a person or persons shall be adequately trained to render first aid" unless a clinic, infirmary, or hospital is in near proximity. ^[1] OSHA has interpreted "near proximity" to mean within 3 to 4 minutes of travel time in most cases. If you're in a rural area or an industrial park far from emergency services, you almost certainly need at least one trained first aider on every shift.

OSHA doesn't specify which certification satisfies "adequately trained." American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED and equivalent American Heart Association programs are widely accepted. Some industries reference their own training standards (OSHA's bloodborne pathogens standard at 29 CFR 1910.1030 carries separate training requirements, for example). ^[5]

One thing trips up small employers constantly: having one trained person on staff doesn't satisfy the rule if that person isn't present on every shift. Run two shifts with your only trained first aider on days, and your night shift has a gap. OSHA expects coverage during all working hours.

If you're building out a full safety program, OSHA training requirements reach well past first aid. First aid is one piece of a larger picture that includes hazard communication, emergency action plans, and industry-specific training.

How often do first aid kits need to be inspected and restocked?

OSHA names no specific inspection interval in the 1910.151 standard. The obligation flows from the "adequate" and "readily available" language, which means an expired, depleted, or damaged kit isn't compliant, full stop. ^[1]

ANSI/ISEA Z308.1 recommends inspecting kits at regular intervals and replacing items before their expiration date. In practice, most programs inspect monthly or quarterly and after any use. Monthly is the safer choice in higher-risk environments.

What to check during an inspection:

• Are all items present and at minimum quantity per ANSI Z308.1?
• Is anything past its expiration date? Antiseptics, medications, and gloves all expire.
• Is the container in good shape, clean, and clearly marked?
• Is the kit still accessible? Watch for boxes stacked in front of it or a work-area change that lengthens travel time.
• Has it been restocked after any use since the last check?

Document your inspections. An inspector who asks about kit maintenance wants to see records. A log sheet inside the kit lid works fine: date, inspector name, items replaced, signature. That's all you need.

What are the first aid requirements for construction sites?

Construction's rule, 29 CFR 1926.50, tracks general industry closely but adds a few things. ^[3] It requires first aid supplies to be easily accessible, and where 25 or more workers are employed and a medical facility isn't reasonably accessible, a person trained in first aid must be available at the worksite.

For construction, the ANSI/ISEA Z308.1 Class B kit is usually the right call because these sites carry a higher rate of traumatic injury. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that construction accounted for roughly 20% of all private industry fatal work injuries in 2022, more than any other sector. ^[6] The hazards behind that number (falls, struck-by events, lacerations from tools) point toward trauma pads, tourniquets, and heavier wound care supplies than any office would keep.

29 CFR 1926.50(c) also calls for phone numbers of physicians, hospitals, and ambulances to be posted at the worksite where they aren't already programmed into phones. Small requirement, easy to overlook.

Eye and body wash requirements under 29 CFR 1926.50(g) kick in when workers face corrosive chemicals. A portable eyewash bottle in the kit is not a substitute for a proper eyewash station when the hazard warrants one. OSHA and ANSI Z358.1 set the eyewash station standard separately from first aid kits.

Can you use a pre-packaged first aid kit from a retail store?

Yes, with caveats. A pre-packaged kit is a fine starting point if it meets ANSI/ISEA Z308.1 Class A or Class B for your workforce size. Many commercial kits list their ANSI compliance on the packaging, and that's a meaningful signal (even though OSHA doesn't certify them).

The catch is that no off-the-shelf kit is built for your specific hazards. A general office kit might cover a 10-person accounting firm. It won't cover a metal fabrication shop, a restaurant kitchen, or a framing crew. After buying any pre-packaged kit, open it and compare the contents against ANSI/ISEA Z308.1 for your class and unit size. Then add items based on your hazard assessment.

Cost varies a lot. A basic ANSI Class A kit for a small office runs about $20 to $60. A Class B kit with higher quantities runs $60 to $150 or more. A well-stocked first aid station for a larger facility can run several hundred dollars. Small money against the potential citation penalties, which for a serious OSHA violation can reach $16,550 per violation (2024 penalty schedule, adjusted for inflation). ^[7]

One more thing: the container matters. Keep supplies in a clearly marked, durable case that protects them from contamination and damage. In dust, moisture, or chemical exposure, a sealed hard case beats a fabric pouch every time.

What are OSHA's first aid kit requirements for small businesses?

Small businesses answer to the same 29 CFR 1910.151 requirements as large ones. There's no employee-count exemption for first aid. A 5-person machine shop needs a compliant kit just as much as a 500-person factory.

What "adequate" looks like scales with your workforce and hazard profile. A 3-person landscaping crew working out of one truck has different needs than a 3-person woodworking shop. The hazard assessment is the step that decides everything else. Identify the most likely injuries in your environment, check whether a hospital or clinic sits within 3 to 4 minutes of your worksite, and stock accordingly.

First aid kit requirements connect to several other standards, and small owners save time by treating them as one system: the emergency action plan (29 CFR 1910.38), bloodborne pathogens if employees render first aid to coworkers (29 CFR 1910.1030), and your hazard communication program (29 CFR 1910.1200) if chemical exposures are part of the picture. ^[5][8]

If you're assembling a full written safety program and want a faster start, SafetyFolio's safety program generator walks through these requirements in about 15 minutes and produces a written program you can hand to an inspector.

Does OSHA require AEDs (automated external defibrillators) with first aid kits?

No. OSHA does not require AEDs under 29 CFR 1910.151 or any of the industry-specific first aid standards. ANSI/ISEA Z308.1 leaves AEDs out of its minimum kit requirements too.

OSHA guidance letters do say employers should evaluate the need for AEDs based on workforce size, distance to emergency medical services, and any workers with known cardiac risk factors. The agency encourages them without mandating them. Some states and localities require AEDs in certain workplaces, particularly gyms, schools, and public gathering places, so check your state and local rules.

Practically speaking: if you're more than 4 to 5 minutes from emergency services by ambulance, an AED is a genuinely good buy. Survival from sudden cardiac arrest drops roughly 10% for every minute without defibrillation, according to the American Heart Association. ^[9] That's a real number worth weighing against the cost of a unit ($1,200 to $2,000 for a basic AED).

If you do buy one, your trained responders need to know how to run it. Make sure your first aid training covers AED operation.

What happens if OSHA cites you for inadequate first aid provisions?

A first aid kit violation usually gets cited under 29 CFR 1910.151(b) and classified as "serious" or "other-than-serious" depending on the circumstances. An other-than-serious citation shows up when the kit was present but short a few items and no imminent danger existed. A serious citation is more likely when active hazards were present, no trained first aider was on shift, and the kit was missing or wholly inadequate. ^[7]

Under the 2024 OSHA penalty schedule (adjusted annually for inflation under the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act), maximum penalties are:

• Other-than-serious: up to $16,550 per violation
• Serious: up to $16,550 per violation
• Willful or repeated: up to $165,514 per violation ^[7]

OSHA often reduces initial proposed penalties through negotiation or the informal conference process. First-time, smaller employers typically see lower amounts. But a willful pattern of ignoring first aid requirements in a high-hazard environment can land in five figures fast.

The penalty isn't the end of it. A citation requires abatement documentation. You have to fix the deficiency and submit proof to OSHA within the abatement period on the citation. That usually means buying and stocking a compliant kit, training a first aider, and sending photos or purchase receipts.

Understanding how OSHA inspections work, what triggers them and what happens during one, is part of running a safe business. The OSHA basics overview covers the fundamentals if you're new to this.

How do you document first aid kit compliance for an OSHA inspection?

29 CFR 1910.151 doesn't explicitly require documentation for the kits themselves, but records are your best defense in an inspection. An inspector who asks about your first aid program looks for three things: the kit (present, accessible, stocked), evidence that someone knows how to use it (training records), and some sign it's maintained.

The smartest habit is a simple inspection log kept inside or attached to the kit. Each entry shows the date, who inspected it, what got replaced, and a signature or initials. A monthly log showing consistent maintenance tells an inspector the program is real.

Keep first aid training records separately, as part of your overall training documentation. The record should show who was trained, when, which course they completed, and when recertification is due. Most Red Cross and AHA first aid certifications are valid for two years.

If you run multiple kits across locations or shifts, a spreadsheet that maps each kit to a location, lists the last inspection date, and names the responsible person makes it easy to prove the program is maintained. Setting that up takes maybe an hour and saves a lot of stress if you're ever inspected.

Frequently asked questions

Does OSHA specify an exact list of items required in a first aid kit?

OSHA's general industry standard at 29 CFR 1910.151(b) only says "adequate first aid supplies shall be readily available." It names no specific items. OSHA points to ANSI/ISEA Z308.1 as the baseline for what "adequate" means. That standard specifies minimum items and quantities for Class A and Class B kits based on your workforce size and hazard level.

What is the OSHA standard number for first aid in general industry?

The general industry first aid standard is 29 CFR 1910.151. It covers three things: proximity to medical facilities, the requirement for a trained first aider when a clinic or hospital is not nearby, and the requirement for adequate, readily available first aid supplies. Construction falls under 29 CFR 1926.50, which uses similar language with some construction-specific additions.

Does a home-based business need an OSHA-compliant first aid kit?

OSHA's jurisdiction generally applies to employers with one or more employees at a fixed worksite. A true solo home office with no employees sits outside OSHA's scope. If you have even one employee working at your home-based business location, OSHA's general industry standards technically apply. In practice, OSHA rarely inspects home worksites, but the legal obligation exists.

Can employees use the first aid kit to treat their own injuries?

Yes. Self-treatment of minor injuries is common and does not turn a first aid kit into a medical facility. OSHA's bloodborne pathogens standard at 29 CFR 1910.1030 comes into play when one employee renders first aid to another, because of potential exposure to blood or bodily fluids. In that case, the employee providing aid should be covered by your exposure control plan and given gloves.

What does 'near proximity' mean under OSHA's first aid rule?

OSHA has interpreted 'near proximity' in letters of interpretation to generally mean within 3 to 4 minutes of travel time to a clinic, infirmary, or hospital. If emergency medical services cannot reach your workplace within that window, you are expected to have trained first aiders on every shift. Rural worksites and large industrial campuses commonly fail this proximity test.

How often should first aid kits be restocked or replaced?

OSHA sets no specific restocking interval. ANSI/ISEA Z308.1 recommends inspecting kits regularly and replacing items before expiration. Most compliance programs inspect monthly and restock after any use. At minimum, inspect quarterly. Antiseptics, gloves, and eyewash solutions all carry expiration dates. An expired kit is not an adequate kit under the standard.

Is a first aid kit required in company vehicles?

OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.151 and 1926.50 focus on worksites, not vehicles. But if employees work out of vehicles (utility crews, delivery drivers, field technicians), the workplace effectively is the vehicle and surrounding area. OSHA expects first aid supplies to be available at the work location. DOT regulations and some state laws add separate vehicle-specific requirements.

Do OSHA first aid kit requirements apply to offices?

Yes. Office employers are covered by 29 CFR 1910.151 just like manufacturing or construction employers. The right kit for a low-hazard office is typically an ANSI/ISEA Z308.1 Class A unit, a basic kit covering cuts, minor burns, and sprains. The hazard level is lower, so the required contents are simpler, but having no kit at all is a violation.

What is the difference between a Class A and Class B first aid kit?

ANSI/ISEA Z308.1 defines Class A as the minimum for low-hazard, lower-risk workplaces, covering common minor injuries. Class B kits contain higher quantities of all Class A items plus additional supplies like trauma pads and tourniquets for higher-hazard environments. Construction sites, manufacturing floors, and warehouses typically warrant Class B. Office environments generally qualify for Class A.

Can OSHA fine you for not having a first aid kit?

Yes. A missing or wholly inadequate first aid kit can be cited under 29 CFR 1910.151(b) as a serious violation, with penalties up to $16,550 per violation as of the 2024 penalty schedule. Penalties can be reduced through the informal conference process. In high-hazard workplaces with a history of citations, a willful violation could reach $165,514.

Does OSHA require eyewash stations as part of first aid?

Eyewash is required separately under 29 CFR 1910.151(c) when employees are exposed to corrosive materials. The standard says suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body must be provided near the work area. ANSI Z358.1 governs eyewash station specifications. A small eyewash bottle in a first aid kit is not a substitute for a plumbed or self-contained eyewash station when the hazard warrants one.

What first aid training does OSHA require?

29 CFR 1910.151(b) requires that at least one person be 'adequately trained to render first aid' when a medical facility is not in near proximity. OSHA does not name a specific certification program. American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED and equivalent American Heart Association certifications are widely accepted. Coverage must extend to all shifts, not only the shift when the certified employee works.

Are there different first aid kit rules for restaurants or food service?

Restaurants fall under OSHA's general industry standard, 29 CFR 1910.151. There is no separate food service standard for first aid kits. The relevant hazards in a kitchen (cuts, burns, slips) mean a well-stocked Class A or Class B kit is appropriate. Some state health codes add requirements on top of OSHA's baseline, so check your state and local regulations.

What is ANSI/ISEA Z308.1 and why does it matter for OSHA compliance?

ANSI/ISEA Z308.1 is the American National Standard for Minimum Requirements for Workplace First Aid Kits and Supplies, published by the International Safety Equipment Association. OSHA references it in compliance guidance and letters of interpretation as the practical definition of 'adequate' first aid supplies under 29 CFR 1910.151(b). Meeting Z308.1 for your kit class and workforce unit size gives you the strongest defensible position in an inspection.

Sources

1. OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.151 Medical Services and First Aid: General industry requires adequate first aid supplies to be readily available and a trained first aider when a medical facility is not in near proximity.
2. International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021 Minimum Requirements for Workplace First Aid Kits and Supplies: ANSI/ISEA Z308.1 defines Class A and Class B kit contents and minimum quantities, and OSHA cites this standard as the baseline for 'adequate' first aid supplies.
3. OSHA, 29 CFR 1926.50 Medical Services and First Aid (Construction): Construction standard requires first aid supplies to be easily accessible and adds specific provisions for eye/body wash when corrosive materials are present.
4. OSHA, Standard Interpretations on Medical Services and First Aid (29 CFR 1910.151): OSHA letters of interpretation state that adequacy of first aid supplies depends on the number of employees, facility size, and nature of hazards, and describe 'readily available' in terms of travel time.
5. OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.1030 Bloodborne Pathogens: Bloodborne pathogens standard applies when employees render first aid to coworkers, requiring an exposure control plan and protective equipment such as gloves.
6. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries in 2022: Construction accounted for approximately 20% of all private industry fatal work injuries in 2022, more than any other sector.
7. OSHA, Civil Penalty Policy and Maximum Penalty Table: As of the 2024 penalty schedule, OSHA maximum penalties are $16,550 per serious violation and $165,514 per willful or repeated violation.
8. OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.38 Emergency Action Plans: Emergency action plans are a separate OSHA requirement that connects to first aid provisions and must address evacuation and emergency response procedures.
9. American Heart Association, CPR & First Aid Resources: Survival rates for sudden cardiac arrest decline roughly 10% for every minute that passes without defibrillation, supporting the rationale for workplace AEDs.
10. OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.1200 Hazard Communication: Hazard communication requirements for chemical hazards connect to first aid preparedness, since chemical exposure risks inform the supplies needed in the first aid kit.
11. OSHA, 29 CFR 1915.87 Medical Services and First Aid (Shipyard Employment): Shipyard employment has a separate first aid standard with more prescriptive supply and medical personnel requirements than the general industry rule.
12. OSHA, 29 CFR 1928.110 Field Sanitation (Agriculture): Agriculture first aid requirements apply to employers of 11 or more workers and include provisions for first aid supplies in the field.