Consulting physicians and first-aid kit contents

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

April 2, 1976

Mr. Samuel Bernstein
Executive Director
New York State Beer Wholesalers
Association, Inc.
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Bernstein:

This is in response to your inquiry about OSHA 1910.151 and "approval" of first aid kits.

The term "consulting physician" does not infer a doctor employed by or contracted by an employer. A consulting physician may be the private doctor of any corporate officer or partner or individual owner acting as an employer. It could also include any reputable doctor knowledgeable about the hazards existing in the industry and in the individual location. Further, a staff memorandum issued by OSHA National Office some time ago indicated that the "consulting physician" could recommend commercially available first aid kits. OSHA did not in any way or at any time indicate the content of a first aid kit; therefore, any inference that OSHA approves or recommends first aid supplies in a kit or cabinet is patently false.

Please feel free to contact us if there are further questions about OSHA.

Sincerely,
Alfred Barden
Regional Administrator
Occupational Safety and Health