What Supplies Should Be in a First Aid Cabinet and How Often to Inspect Them

A commercial first aid cabinet should contain basic medical supplies appropriate to the hazards present in the workplace and should be inspected regularly to ensure items are available and not expired. While OSHA requires employers to maintain adequate first aid supplies, best practice is to conduct monthly visual checks, quarterly reviews and annual evaluations, replacing items based on regulatory guidance or manufacturer expiration dates.

Imagine if a team member at your workplace opened the first aid cabinet in your break room to find expired medications, half-open bandages or an empty shelf where burn ointments should be. Even in a best-case scenario, it could be a signal to that employee that they’re not valued at work. In a worse-case scenario, it could spark an emergency.

What supplies should be in your first aid cabinet?

A first aid cabinet is meant to support immediate response to common workplace injuries. The specific contents may vary by environment, but most workplaces rely on a baseline set of supplies designed to address minor cuts, burns, eye injuries and other routine incidents.

What OSHA requires for first aid cabinet inspections

OSHA’s general industry standard, 29 CFR 1910.151, requires employers to ensure that medical personnel and first aid supplies are readily available when needed. The regulation does not define exact inspection intervals or itemized supply lists, leaving employers responsible for determining what is adequate for their workplace.

ANSI offers more detailed guidance on minimum first aid kit contents for many workplace settings. It’s often used to help interpret what “adequate” looks like across different environments and business sizes.

Because OSHA focuses on availability and readiness, regular inspection is an implied requirement. Supplies that are expired, missing or inaccessible may undermine compliance even if a cabinet is physically present.

Supplies commonly found in workplace first aid cabinets

The following categories reflect a baseline template used across many workplaces. Individual items and quantities may vary based on risk level, workforce size and site layout.

• Wound care supplies  such as adhesive bandages, gauze pads and medical tape
• Antiseptics and cleansing materials  for cleaning minor wounds
• Burn care items  appropriate for minor thermal injuries
• Eye care supplies  including eye wash
• Personal protective equipment  such as disposable gloves
• Basic tools and accessories  like scissors or tweezers
• Instructional materials that outline basic first aid response

Some workplaces specialty hazards that require additional supplies. In those cases, vendors or partners with first aid expertise can help assess needs and recommend appropriate additions.

Signs your supplies are missing, expired, depleted or noncompliant

Just because your workplace has a first aid cabinet doesn't mean it's compliant. Common signs that your cabinet may not be prepared for an emergency include:

• Packaging that is damaged, opened or discolored
• Items past the manufacturer's expiration date
• Cabinets that are disorganized or difficult to access
• Contents that no longer align with current workplace hazards

Regular checks help surface these issues before they create problems during an incident or inspection.

Build a first aid inspection schedule that fits your operation

While OSHA does not mandate inspection frequency, many organizations follow a tiered approach that balances consistency with practicality.

Common inspection cadence

A regular inspection cadence helps keep cabinets prepared for emergency without creating unnecessary administrative burdens. Inspection documentation can remain high level, focusing on confirmation rather than exhaustive detail.

How managed first aid services can help reduce guesswork

Managing inspections, expiration dates and replenishment across all the first aid cabinets in your organization can be time consuming. Vendors or partners that specialize in first aid programs can help by:

• Reviewing cabinets against baseline and hazard-specific needs
• Monitoring expiration dates and usage patterns
• Supporting consistent inspection cadence across locations
• Helping identify gaps before emergencies happen

Make sure your first aid cabinet is prepared

Keep your first aid cabinet stocked with the high-quality products your team needs. Visit our website to learn more about our first aid cabinets and regular restocking service.