In many factories, first aid kits are available, but during safety audits, they often turn out to be poorly maintained or not ready for real emergencies. According to the Guidelines on First Aid in the Workplace by DOSH, a first aid kit is a critical part of workplace safety. However, having a box on the wall is not enough. It must be usable, accessible, and well maintained.
Below are the most common mistakes auditors regularly find in factories.
1. Expired or Used-Up Items
One of the most common problems is expired medicines, antiseptics, or empty bottles. Sometimes bandages are missing because they were used and never replaced.
Why this matters:
In an emergency, expired or missing items can make injuries worse instead of better.
2. Incomplete First Aid Kits
Many kits do not contain the basic items required for factory hazards. For example, factories with hot work may not have burn dressings, or chemical areas may lack eye wash.
Why this matters:
If the kit doesn’t match the risks, it won’t help when it’s really needed.
3. First Aid Kits Are Hard to Access
Auditors often find first aid kits locked, blocked, or placed too far away from work areas.
Why this matters:
During an accident, every second counts. Delays can increase injury severity.
4. Poor or No Signage
Some kits are kept in cupboards or corners with no clear first aid sign, making them difficult to find, especially for new workers.
Why this matters:
In emergencies, confusion leads to delays.
5. No One Is Responsible for the Kit
In many factories, no specific person is assigned to check, refill, or monitor the first aid kit.
Why this matters:
When responsibility is unclear, maintenance is usually ignored.
6. Not Enough Kits for the Number of Workers
Some workplaces have only one kit for a large area or multiple shifts.
Why this matters:
During emergencies, workers may have to wait or walk long distances to get help.
7. Dirty or Damaged Kits
Auditors often see kits that are dusty, broken, wet, or exposed to chemicals.
Why this matters:
Contaminated supplies can cause infections and are unsafe to use.
8. Workers Don’t Know Where the Kits Are
Even when kits are available, workers may not know their location or how to use them.
Why this matters:
A first aid kit is useless if no one knows where it is.
9. First Aid Kits Not Linked to Emergency Planning
Some factories treat first aid kits as separate items, not part of the overall emergency response plan.
Why this matters:
Without coordination, first aid response becomes slow and unorganized.
10. No Inspection Records
A common audit finding is the absence of inspection or maintenance records.
Why this matters:
Without records, factories cannot prove compliance during audits.
Final Thoughts
First aid kits are not just for passing audits they are for saving time, reducing injury impact, and protecting workers. Regular checks, proper placement, and trained personnel make a big difference during emergencies.
A well maintained first aid kit shows that a factory truly cares about safety, not just paperwork.