Compliance Focus: First Aid Kits and Standard Precautions

Each month, the Illinois Chiropractic Society highlights a key compliance area to help doctors and staff reduce risk and protect their practices. This month’s focus is on first aid kits and standard OSHA precautions, which are required for every office and are tracked in Statusfi, the free compliance dashboard for ICS members at my.statusfidashboard.com. This includes items such as assessing workplace risks, ensuring kit accessibility, and training employees on emergency protocols.

What It Is:

The first aid kits and standard precautions requirement ensures that chiropractic offices are prepared for medical emergencies and workplace injuries. Federal OSHA standards require practices to conduct a risk assessment, maintain an appropriate number of properly equipped first aid kits, ensure accessibility, and train employees on emergency plans and exits. These requirements are designed to create a safer environment for both patients and staff.

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Why It Matters:

Non-compliance with first aid and emergency standards can expose your office to regulatory fines, increased liability during emergencies, and negative outcomes for staff or patients. For example, if a patient or employee is injured and first aid supplies or exit routes are missing or inadequate, this can result in OSHA citations, potential lawsuits, or preventable harm. A well-prepared office reduces risk, improves response times in emergencies, and demonstrates a commitment to workplace safety.

What to Check:

• Conduct a workplace risk assessment to identify injury risks relevant to your office.
  Read more: OSHA Medical and First Aid Standard
• Determine and provide the appropriate number of first aid kits for your office based on risk, size, and staff.
  Read more: OSHA Medical and First Aid Standard
• Ensure first aid kits are easily accessible within 3–4 minutes in the office or nearby clinic area.
  Read more: OSHA Medical and First Aid Standard
• Stock first aid kits with all required OSHA items, such as adhesive bandages, burn dressings, gloves, and eye wash, and inspect them annually.
  Read more: OSHA Medical and First Aid Standard
• Confirm your office meets minimum fire safety exit standards.
  Read more: Fire Extinguishers, Evacuations, and OSHA, Emergency Exit Routes Fact Sheet
• Train all employees on emergency action plans and exit routes, ensuring written plans if you have more than 10 employees.
  Read more: Emergency Exit Routes Fact Sheet

Where It’s Tracked in Statusfi:

Tracked in: Federal > OSHA > First Aid Kits and Standard Precautions

Log in at my.statusfidashboard.com to review and take action on this compliance requirement.

Next Steps:

Review your current first aid kit procedures and emergency plans. If you need to update supplies or documentation, assign this checklist to a staff member responsible for office safety. For larger practices, consider scheduling an annual review to ensure ongoing compliance. Even small improvements, such as updating a first aid kit or holding a brief emergency drill, can significantly reduce risk and improve your office’s readiness.