First Aid in the Workplace: What Must Be Available?

First aid is a central component of occupational safety. In an emergency, it's not just about having the materials available, but also about being able to find them quickly, use them completely, and replenish them in a timely manner.

What equipment is appropriate depends on the company, activities, hazards, spatial structure, and number of people. Guidance is provided, among others, by the Technical Rules for Workplaces of the BAuA, particularly the topic area of first aid in workplaces.

Basic Equipment: First Aid Kit, Box, or Cabinet?

In many offices, an easily accessible first aid kit or box is sufficient. In larger companies, warehouse areas, or facilities with multiple building sections, it may be advisable to equip several locations or use a fixed first aid cabinet.

• First Aid Kit: clearly visible, mobile, and suitable for many standard areas.
• First Aid Cabinet: useful for fixed first aid points and a greater need for materials.
• Refill Sets: important for quickly replacing consumables after use.
• Labeling: First aid points must be quickly identifiable.

Why Regular Checks Are Important

First aid materials are often used only rarely. This is precisely why they are easily forgotten. Plasters, compresses, bandages, or sterile products can be used up, damaged, or no longer ready for use. A regular check prevents missing materials from only being noticed in an emergency.

• Regularly check contents for completeness
• Immediately replace used items
• Clearly mark locations
• Inform employees where materials are located
• Stock refill sets as standard items

First Aid in Office, Warehouse, and Operations

The requirements differ depending on the area of application. In an administration, plasters, bandages, and quick findability are paramount. In the warehouse or technical area, eye wash, robust cases, clearly visible labeling, or multiple locations may also be useful.

Suitable Products from the Wiepa Shop

For operational first aid equipment, depending on the need, suitable products include, for example, the SÖHNGEN First Aid Kit QUICK-CD, the SÖHNGEN First Aid Kit MT-CD according to DIN 13169, the SÖHNGEN First Aid Refill Set Standard or the SÖHNGEN First Aid Cabinet Heidelberg.

For visible indications, a solution like the Showdown Advertising Sail First Aid can also be helpful, for example, at events, larger areas, or temporary deployment locations.

Typical Questions from Companies

How often should first aid materials be checked?

This should be internally regulated. A regular visual inspection and a check after each use are practical.

What is more important: a kit or a refill set?

Both go together. The kit provides the basic structure, while the refill set keeps the equipment ready for use in the long term.

Does every area need its own kit?

This depends on the size, walking distances, and risks. In larger buildings, warehouses, or outdoor areas, multiple locations may be useful.

Conclusion

First aid in the workplace should not be improvised. Those who organize kits, cabinets, refill materials, and labeling in a structured way make everyday work safer and avoid unnecessary gaps.

You can find more on the overall overview on our landing page Occupational Safety and Security Needs for Companies.