How to Set Up a First Aid Program Without Getting Overwhelmed

Keeping your workplace first aid-ready shouldn’t be confusing, expensive, or a constant game of catch-up. But if you’ve ever opened the kit during an emergency and found it half-empty (or full of expired supplies), you know how fast things can go sideways. 

Managing a first aid program across a busy facility can quickly turn into one of those “extra” jobs that no one technically owns… until something goes wrong.

With the right habits and support system, your first aid program can run smoothly, stay OSHA-compliant, and give your team the confidence to respond when it matters most.

Make First Aid a Monthly Conversation

Safety talks shouldn’t only happen after something goes wrong. Instead, build first aid awareness into your routine, whether that’s five minutes in a Monday meeting or a short monthly huddle. Focus on topics that actually apply to your team’s day-to-day:

• What to do for heat exhaustion if you're working in a hot garage
• How to treat minor burns or chemical splashes on the production floor
• When to use eyewash stations and how to maintain them
• Who’s trained to use the AED (and where it's kept)

Keeping these conversations short but consistent builds confidence, keeps info fresh, and helps your team act faster in real situations.

Don’t Let Expired Supplies Catch You Off Guard

A fully stocked kit isn’t helpful if half of it expired last year. Whether you’re managing one cabinet or ten, set a recurring calendar reminder to check expiration dates and refill essentials every month or quarter, whatever works best for your facility size and pace.

Make someone responsible for this (and give them the time to actually do it). Bonus: tie it into that monthly safety talk so it becomes a natural rhythm, not a forgotten task.

Or, make it even easier: partner with us! We track inventory, handle restocks, and keep you compliant without adding more day-to-day. 

Simplify What You Stock

A cluttered first aid kit full of items no one ever uses is just as unhelpful as an empty one. Instead of over-ordering, stock smart. Focus on items your team actually needs, based on your industry and past incidents.

A few examples:

• For garages: burn care, eye wash, heavy-duty bandages
• For warehouses: cold packs, cut-resistant gloves, splints
• For manufacturing: would cleaning agent, PPE backups, AEDs

If you’re not sure what’s necessary, start with OSHA’s minimum requirements and build from there based on the work you do.