No medication in a first aid kit

While it might seem logical to keep medication in a first aid kit at work, there are a few reasons why this generally isn’t done in the UK, and in many other countries:

1. Legal issues: Many jurisdictions have specific laws around the storage and administration of medication in the workplace. In the UK, the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 does not oblige employers to provide medicines such as painkillers.
2. Allergic reactions: Some people can have serious allergic reactions to certain medications. If a person unknowingly takes medication they’re allergic to, it could result in a serious health issue.
3. Dosage and administration: Dosages can vary based on a person’s age, weight, and overall health condition. Incorrect dosage could potentially harm someone.
4. Drug interactions: Certain medications can interact poorly with other medications a person may be taking, which could have severe consequences.
5. Misuse or abuse: There’s a risk of misuse or abuse of certain medications, especially those that can be addictive.
6. Medication expiry: Medications have expiry dates and need to be stored under specific conditions. It can be difficult to ensure that medications are properly stored and replaced regularly in a first aid kit.
7. Self-diagnosis: Having medications readily available can encourage self-diagnosis and self-treatment, which can delay proper medical treatment.

Instead of storing medication in a first aid kit, it’s generally better for workplaces to encourage employees to bring their own necessary medications and to have procedures in place for dealing with medical emergencies. First aid kits should contain items to deal with common injuries in the workplace like bandages, dressings, and eye wash solutions, among others.