Q&A: Can I give aspirin to employees who ask for it?

Even over-the-counter medications — whether aspirin or allergy pills — can be included in a workplace first aid kit only if recommended by the company physician. Although Cal/OSHA rules governing most workplaces (General Industry Safety Orders, Section 3400, Medical Services and First Aid) require "adequate first aid materials "be available, the regulations don't specify the contents of the first aid kit.

First Aid Materials

Section 3400 requires that the first aid materials, “approved by the consulting physician,” be “readily available” for persons on every job. Section 3400 also requires employers to:

Ensure the ready availability of medical personnel for advice and consultation on matters of industrial health or injury;
Have a person or persons trained to render first aid when there is no infirmary, clinic or hospital close to the workplace, for the treatment of all injured employees; and
Keep first-aid materials in a sanitary and usable condition, making frequent inspections to ensure adequate supplies are available, and replenishing supplies as necessary.

Can I give aspirin to employees who ask for it?

First Aid Materials

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