OSHA mandates that businesses have actionable plans for both workplace hazards and protection from occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens. HOSPECO, a leading manufacturer of products for cleaning and protecting facilities and people, offers comprehensive first aid solutions that meet or exceed the new ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2015 standard, which was updated a year ago and became effective June 17, 2016.

Until the latest revision to ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2015, Workplace First Aid Kits and Supplies, medical kits were specified according to the number of employees—20 or fewer people, 10 or fewer people, and so on. The revision to the standard approaches first aid with an emphasis on the specific hazards with which employees might come in contact and on making sure the right supplies are on hand to handle injuries associated with those hazards.

Under the new standard, first aid kits that meet minimum performance requirements are grouped into two classes: Class A kits, for common workplace injuries such as abrasions, cuts and sprains, and Class B kits, with a broader range and higher quantity of supplies to deal with injuries in higher-risk work environments.

HOSPECO offers first aid kits that meet or exceed the new level of compliance for both Class A and B kits in each of four classification types: Type I, for stationary, indoor applications; Type II, for portable indoor applications; Type III, for portable use in mobile indoor and/or outdoor settings; and Type IV, for portable use in mobile industries and/or outdoor applications where rough handling of the kit may occur. Details on kit types and supply lists can be found on HOSPECO’s website at http://www.hospeco.com.

Employers should determine which kit(s) are appropriate for their workplace based on an evaluation of risks in the facility and the potential for injuries due to those risks. To determine the number and type(s) of first aid kits needed, employers must consider the number of employees, potential hazards, the physical layout of the facility, and the ability to quickly receive nearby emergency care. HOSPECO representatives are always available to help you select the right first aid supplies for your workplace.

Awareness of and compliance with the revised first aid kit standard (ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2015), like any ANSI standard, is most important because employees’ health, safety and quality of life is at risk. To remind and persuade, the first OSHA Penalty Adjustments were instituted on August 1, 2016. The adjustment stems from legislation congress had enacted in 2015 requiring federal agencies such as OSHA to adjust their civil penalties to keep up with inflation; however, since penalties had not been adjusted in a generation, the initial increase will be steep. OSHA’s maximum penalties will increase by 78%.  

HOSPECO also offers related first aid safety solutions, including protection/fluid clean-up kits related to bloodborne pathogens (compliant with OSHA 1910.1030 and ANSI Z308.1-2015), and eyewash stations (compliant with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.151(c) and ANSI Z358.1 2014).