Having quick access to medical supplies is crucial for employers with frontline, field, or remote workers that face daily safety hazards. But choosing a first aid kit specifically for a 20-person workgroup presents unique challenges. Standard kits may not have enough supplies for multiple injuries or emergencies. Overly large kits waste space and money on unnecessary items.
At Yoo Shing, we understand the importance of conveniently packaged, OSHA-compliant 20-person first aid kits for protecting your medium-sized workforce. In this comprehensive guide, learn how to select the ideal kit and supplies to handle injuries for crews of approximately 20 employees.
We'll cover:
Typical injuries to prepare for with 20-person workgroups
Calculating required supplies for 20 workers
Compliance considerations for 20-person kits
Key factors in choosing the right 20-person kit
Choosing between cabinet, bag, and box first aid kits
Smart ways to customize and expand 20-person kits
Proper storage, use, and maintenance
The advantages of specialized kits for 20 employees
With the right planning and supplies, compact, portable 20-person first aid kits can help maximize injury preparedness. Use this advice to make safety convenient for crews on the move.
Common Injuries to Anticipate with 20 Employees
Determining necessary first aid supplies starts with understanding likely usage based on your industry's unique risks.
Some of the more frequent injuries seen in general for 20-person crews include:
Cuts, punctures, abrasions
Bruises, minor burns
Eye irritation from dust or chemicals
Sprains, strains from lifting
Respiratory issues from fumes
Those in higher-risk trade industries also regularly encounter:
Lacerations from power tools or broken glass
Welding burns
Chemical splashes resulting in skin irritation or burns
Bone fractures and crushing injuries
Take your specific work activities into account. Do you need extra burn treatments for welders? More protective gear for chemicals? Analyze your accident history to anticipate first aid needs.
Calculating Supplies for 20 People
Once you know likely medical issues, you can determine required supplies according to accepted recommendations.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) provides the most widely used guidelines for stocking first aid kits based on the number of employees.
Its Class B kit recommendation covers supplies for small workforces of 16-50 people. Class B kits should include:
Absorbent compress, 4"x4" 4
Adhesive bandages, 1"x3" 26
Antiseptic wipe packets 20
Burn treatment packets 10
First aid guide 1
Medical exam gloves 4 pair
Sterile pads, 3"x3" 8
Triangular bandages, 40"x40"x56" 2
These are the minimums suggested to have on hand for a 20-person crew.
You should supplement with additional quantities of critical supplies like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and gloves that get used frequently. Having extra burn treatments, eye wash, and fingertip dressings is also recommended for higher risk work.
But resist overstocking on items rarely needed just to fill space if it means ignoring weight and portability. Custom supplementing instead of buying huge 200-person kits prevents waste.
OSHA and ANSI Standards for 20 People
When stocking and configuring first aid kits for 20 employees, be aware of OSHA and ANSI compliance:
OSHA Regulations
Unlike ANSI, OSHA's first aid kit standards are legally mandatory. OSHA requires:
Sufficient first aid supplies for the reasonably foreseeable workplace hazards
Accessible storage in a clean, dry, sanitary place.
Adequate first aid trained staff to match the employer's hazards and size.
Inventory and inspection on a frequent basis.
However, OSHA does not provide a universal supply list or kit recommendation. Employers have latitude to build kits to meet their workplace needs as long as they follow OSHA's general requirements.
ANSI Guidelines
ANSI first aid kit guidelines are voluntary but considered industry best practice. ANSI's Class B recommendation contains a suitable variety and quantity of supplies for approximately 20 people.
Make sure any pre-packaged 20-person kits purchased at minimum align with ANSI Class B. Use ANSI as your starting point then customize further for your own environment. Having too few supplies violates OSHA standards.
Key Factors in Choosing Kits for 20 People
With many 20-person first aid kit options on the market, keep these factors in mind when selecting the right one:
Supply Quantity
Prioritize kits with an adequate volume of essentials like bandages and gloves versus those maximizing less useful items. Supplementing core items is easier than removing excess.
Kit Portability
Look for compact, lightweight kits under 25 pounds for mobile crews. Carrying cases with shoulder straps allow for easy transport.
Durable, Weather-Resistant Cases
Soft cases should use heavy-duty materials with waterproofing. Hard cases need seals to keep out dust and moisture during transport in vehicles or to outdoor sites.
Intuitive Interior Organization
Well-labeled compartments that separate wound care, medications, tools, etc make locating items fast during time-sensitive emergencies.
Compliance Documentation
Choose kits listing exact contents with checklists to verify OSHA/ANSI alignment. This ensures quality and avoids compliance gaps.
Prioritizing these factors helps maximize usefulness and convenience for 20-person teams.
Cabinet vs. Bag vs. Box Kits for 20 People
For crews of approximately 20, the three main first aid kit options include:
Wall-Mounted Cabinets
Wall-mounted cabinets provide centralized access in indoor shops and facilities. They offer:
Visual First Aid signage
Lockable doors with breakaway seals
Multi-shelf, customizable interiors
Optional built-in sharps boxes
However, wall cabinets lack portability and easy transport to jobsites. The large size also makes customizing for 20 people's needs difficult.
Soft-Sided Bags
First aid bags with carry handles or straps provide lightweight transportability for mobile crews. Features include:
Padded backpack straps for hands-free carrying
Exterior sleeve or clips to hold gloves, ice packs, etc.
Water-resistant nylon or vinyl materials
Interior organization panels and removable pouches
But bags lack durability for certain field conditions and offer less protection to contents. Storage options in vehicles are also limited.
Hard Storage Cases
Rugged hard cases are extremely durable for protecting supplies in vehicles, worksites, and other challenging environments. Benefits include:
Crush-proof, waterproof plastic shells
Pick-and-pull foam inserts to customize interior
Carabiner handles for easy carrying and securing
Stackability for compact storage
The enclosed first aid in a box configuration keeps 20-person kits portable but with maximum protection. Hard cases meet the storage needs of construction, industrial, and remote work teams.
Customizing Kits for Your Team of 20
Off-the-shelf 20-person kits may not cover all your first aid needs. Be prepared to customize by:
Supplementing Supplies
Add extra quantities of critical items like bandages, antibiotic ointments, burn treatments, chemical splash solutions, etc. based on your industry hazards.
Including Specialized Items
Consider unique additions like tourniquets, splints, thermal blankets, and trauma bags to treat more serious injuries in higher risk workplaces.
Eliminating Unnecessary Items
To limit weight and bulk, remove unneeded items from overstocked kits like smelling salts, finger splints, or safety pins.
Adding Tools and Accessories
Include useful tools like trauma shears, glow sticks/penlights, biohazard cleanup kits, and PPE like face shields and respirators.
Customizing off-the-shelf 20-person kits prevents gaps while optimizing portability just make sure to document added inventory.
Properly Storing, Using, and Maintaining 20-Person Kits
Once you've stocked the ideal first aid kit, proper protocols keep supplies organized, sanitary, and available:
Display wall-mounted cabinets prominently with high visibility.
Secure hard cases and bags safely in vehicles during transport.
Only permit designated and trained employees to access and administer first aid kits.
Promptly re-stock any depleted inventory after use.
Conduct routine inspections checking expiration dates and kit condition.
Follow sanitation procedures and use new gloves when treating injuries.
Review first aid policies and procedures annually with workers.
Restock kits with new supplies every 2-3 years to stay current.
With 20-person teams, it's especially critical to monitor usage and replenish kits rapidly so multiple injuries don't leave you short of supplies.
The Advantages of Specialized 20-Person Kits
Equipping your 20-employee team with a well-stocked, compliant first aid kit customized for their needs provides many advantages:
Better Preparedness
Sufficient quantities of supplies in an intuitive layout ensures injuries can be treated promptly and proper protocols followed.
Faster Incident Response
Common essentials are organized and quickly accessible rather than buried in overstocked kits, saving critical time.
Streamlined Mobility
Compact kits with carrying cases deploy easily alongside crews and fit in vehicles for mobile access.
Enhanced Compliance
Customized kits aligned with your particular risks and OSHA/ANSI standards avoid fines and penalties.
Improved Morale
Employees feel more valued and protected when adequate first aid is available, boosting engagement.
Peace of Mind
Managers have confidence teams have resources to handle injuries until professional medical care arrives.
Don't settle for standard bulk kits stuffed with excess supplies. Tailor smart 20-person first aid kits designed for your unique workforce's safety and compliance needs. Trust Yoo Shing's high-quality, portable products to keep small crews covered.
