From minor knife nicks to slips, falls and burns, commercial kitchens can be hazardous environments. With hot surfaces, slick floors, and sharp cutting tools, accidents and injuries are common occurrences. An adequately stocked first aid kit can make all the difference in quickly treating these common mishaps before they become major emergencies.
As a leading manufacturer of first aid and safety solutions, Yoo Shing understands the importance of effective emergency preparedness for the food service industry. This article covers the essential components every commercial kitchen first aid kit should contain to treat the unique risks of restaurant and catering workplaces.
OSHA First Aid Kit Regulations for Restaurants
According to OSHA regulations, all businesses including restaurants and caterers must provide appropriate first aid kits and supplies to treat injured employees. Commercial kitchen kits should include:
Absorbent compress dressings Control bleeding and dress wounds.
Adhesive bandages Assorted sizes for minor cuts, burns and scrapes.
Antiseptic wipes Clean and disinfect injuries.
Burn treatment Gel, spray or creams to relieve pain.
Eyewash solution Flush out eye contaminants like food particles.
First aid guide Illustrated instructions for injury response.
Gauze pads Sterile 2x2 to 5x9 inch pads to dress wounds.
Medical tape Cloth or paper tape to secure dressings.
Disposable gloves Reduce bodily fluid exposure risks.
Scissors Trauma shears to cut away clothing as needed.
Triangular bandages Create slings, secure dressings.
Roller gauze Wrap and secure injuries and dressings.
OSHA further requires first aid kits to be stored in accessible, protective cases clearly labeled "First Aid." For commercial kitchens, we recommend heavy-duty wall mounted metal cabinets to keep contents organized, visible, and protected in hot, humid environments. Sturdy aluminum alloy cases with flip-down doors allow quick access to supplies.
Customizing Kits for Commercial Kitchen Injuries
While OSHA sets the baseline for regulatory compliance, restaurants and caterers should customize kits by adding supplies to treat common kitchen mishaps, such as:
Finger splints Temporarily immobilize jammed, dislocated or broken fingers until medical treatment.
Eye cups Bathe eyes irritated by food particles, steam, grease.
Burn dressings Provide instant pain relief and cooling for scalds.
Trauma pads Help stop heavy bleeding from deep knife lacerations.
Consult a healthcare professional when adding components beyond the OSHA basics. Also include items tailored to hazards specific to your kitchen, such as chemical irritation from cleaning agents. Provide portable kits for offsite catering events in addition to main kitchen wall units.
Specialized Additions for Commercial First Aid Preparedness
Today's well-stocked commercial kitchen first aid kits also incorporate supplies to assist with emergency response, including:
Space rescue blankets Prevents shock in trauma cases.
Instant cold packs Reduce swelling and inflammation.
Medical ID cards Provides employee health profiles and emergency contacts.
Nitrile gloves Safer alternative to latex for food service.
Tourniquets Slow serious bleeding from wounds.
QuickClot gauze Rapidly stops bleeding from lacerations.
CPR barriers Protects against disease transmission when performing CPR.
Post visual references like first aid guides near kits so employees can quickly reference protocols. Also consider adding an AED (automated external defibrillator) for cardiac events.
Refilling and Replacing Supplies
Check first aid kit contents regularly and replenish any used items. Replace perishable components like ointments and medications before they expire. We offer convenient refill packs tailored to replenish OSHA and ANSI required components. Wall brackets allow kits to be securely stored yet easily detached for transport or refilling.
Rely on the Workplace Safety Experts
Equipping your commercial kitchen with proper first aid tools can help prevent small mishaps from becoming major incidents. Yoo Shing offers 25+ years of experience providing effective, OSHA compliant safety solutions for the food service and hospitality industry. Our first aid kits are rigorously designed and tested to meet the highest standards for quality and contents.
Safeguard your staff and business with well-stocked kits and safety training for emergency response. Contact us today to evaluate your commercial kitchen risks and implement a complete workplace safety program. We offer hassle-free OSHA program management and recordkeeping services to fully cover your compliance needs.
