It’s easy to get so wrapped up in starting or operating your business that you forget something as basic as a first aid kit.
You are so focused on making sure everything goes RIGHT that you forget that sometimes things can go WRONG. Never forget “Murphy’s Law”!
Why your business needs a first aid kit
Getting injured on the job is a major occupational hazard for many industries. Just because the cleaning business generally is not considered a high risk field doesn’t mean you or your employees can’t get hurt in one way or another.
In all the years I’ve been in business my staff and I have had our share of bumps, bruises, cuts and scrapes, but that’s about it. I don’t know if we have been lucky or good but I’ll take it. What I can tell you is that we were prepared from day one.
My partner Sue made sure that each employee had access to a first aid kit on every job-site. This not only covered our butts as business owners, it also showed our employees that we cared for their well-being. We always discussed where the medical first aid kit’s were kept and what to do in case of injury.
At the end of the day it’s your job as the owner of your business to be ready for the unexpected. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The best part is that this doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg.
What to look for in a first aid kit
When we first started our cleaning business we went with a basic medical kit. These type kits generally run less than $10.00 each, but a few more well stocked kits may run about $15.00 to $26.00 or so.
The first aid kits generally have all the basic items included like band-aids, gauze, ointments for burns, antiseptics among other items.These type kits are great for the average run of the mill cut or scrape that happens on the job.
Since then we found that we liked a slightly more upgraded medical kit that included some eyewash. I’m always worried about the splashing of cleaning solutions, and what would happen if anything got into someone’s eye area and an eyewash would help with that scenario.
Compare some popular first aid kits
I’ve done a little homework based upon what we have purchased in the past so that you will have an idea of what you’ll need. I narrowed the choices down to three medical kits for you to take a look at.
All three of these first aid kits will cover the basics in my opinion. Each of them comes in at a slightly different price point, but none of them are even remotely expensive. Take a look and find the one that is best for you.
1 – Basic first aid kit – At well less than $10.00 the (paid link) Acme first aid kit is the cheapest option available. This kit doesn’t have a lot of items included but it does give you some basic protection in the event of a minor injury.
2 – Upgraded first aid kit – The $15.00 price range gives us the (paid link) Johnson & Johnson First Aid Kit. This costs a few bucks more than the Acme kit but has quite a few more items included. You get a tray for organizing everything and an instant ice pack among other items for just a few bucks more.
3 – First aid kit w/ eyewash – The (paid link) Pac-Kit Contractor First Aid & Eyewash Station comes in at less than $30.00 and is my favorite choice as it has the built-in eyewash which I think is important. It does cost more than the others but you get two products in one and that’s what makes it a deal.
Like I mentioned in the beginning of this post, being prepared for the unexpected is part of your job description. This is especially true when it comes to the safety of your employees. So “be safe, not sorry”, and make the small investment needed to keep everyone safe.
DISCLOSURE: Please note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I may be an affiliate for products that I recommend. If you purchase any items through my links odds are I’ll earn a commission of some kind. I only recommend products and services that I have used or think may be useful to those starting or operating a cleaning business.
If you liked this post, you can subscribe to our Cleaning 4 Profit RSS feed. If you are looking for a step by step blueprint that will show you how to start your own cleaning business, then check out my Cleaning Business Training Manuals.
Carol says
Do you have a desired insurance company or can you suggest one?
Tom Watson says
Hi Carol! Yes I do. I wrote about that topic here… http://wp.me/pO3Aj-4vg
Susan says
Hi Tom,
Thanks so much for the reminder. I can’t believe I didn’t think of this on my own. I am assembling one tonight. : )
I do have one question. You mentioned that you talk to your employees about what to do in case of injury, but do you go to the extent of having that in writing? I would think if you ever had to defend yourself (legally) it would at least be to your credit that you have a plan in writing for employees. Just more food for thought.
Susan
Tom Watson says
Hi Susan! We never had anyone sign anything for that, but we did have them sign a paper indicating they understood our company rules (calling out, time off etc…). I have to agree that it’s not a bad idea though!