What Goes into A First Aid Kit for Construction Sites?
Construction sites are high-risk workplaces where so many things can go wrong and cause workers to get seriously hurt. Which is why it is imperative that there needs to be a fully-stocked first aid kit for construction workers on the site at all times.
Hazards on a Construction Site
Here are some of the most common dangers faced by construction site workers on a daily basis:
- Using high-risk machinery such as drilling tools, cutting tools and chainsaws
- Using and being exposed to dangerous chemicals such as acids and solvents
- Working at heights where there is a danger of falling which could result in either severe injury or even death
- Working in small tight spaces with dangerous tools such as welding torches, chemicals, etc.
- Carrying out abrasive blasting and demolition work
- Carrying out electric work
- Working in extreme weather conditions for prolonged periods of time
This is not a complete list of the kind of dangers construction workers face every single day of their work lives. And a lot of these injuries may not be treated effectively by a first aid kit, but what you have in that first aid kit could help staunch bleeding, treat shock and burns just enough to save a life till professional medical help arrives.
Legal Requirements for First Aid Kits at Construction Sites
There are a number of requirements that a company working a construction site must fulfill with regard to first aid for its workers.
According to Safe Work Australia, there must be an adequate number of first aid kits at construction sites for the workers to be treated effectively.
They must be placed in prominent as well as easily accessible locations, close to areas where the risk of injury is highest.
All employees should know where the first aid kits are located.
These first aid kits have to be signposted, easily identifiable and should never be kept locked.
There must be fully-trained first aiders on-site at all times to treat workers who have been injured or taken ill. It is usually the responsibility of the first aider to ensure that the first aid kit is fully stocked at all times.
What Should a First Aid Kit for Construction Workers Contain
What goes into a first aid kit will depend on the type of work being carried out. As a general rule, high-risk workplaces such as construction sites must include:
- Gauze pads
- Adhesive bandages
- Gauze rolled bandages
- Triangular bandages
- Wound cleaning solutions
- Exposure blankets
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Disposable gloves
- Adhesive tape
- Resuscitation kit
- Elastic wraps
- Splints
- Instructions for emergency assistance
- Eye wash
- Cold compresses
- Safety Pins
- Crepe rolled bandages
- Burn dressings
These are list is the minimum requirement for a first aid kit for construction workers. There should also be more specialised items that you should also keep to ensure your workers’ safety.
