Why the Right First Aid Kit & Regular Refills Matter More Than You Think

When an injury happens on-site, the first few minutes can make all the difference. That’s why choosing a compliant, properly sized first aid kit and keeping it fully stocked isn’t just good practice - it’s a regulatory requirement across Canada. Below, we break down what the standards say, how to pick the right kit for your team, and why a refill strategy protects both workers and bottom lines. 

Know the Standards: CSA Z1220-24 & Provincial Rules

Canada’s updated CSA Z1220-24 standard classifies workplace first aid kits by type (risk level) and size (number of workers per shift).

• Type 1 Personal – isolated workers
• Type 2 Basic – low-risk sites
• Type 3 Intermediate – moderate/high-risk sites

Within each type you’ll see Small (2-25 workers), Medium (26-50), and Large (51-100) designations, ensuring larger crews have enough supplies on hand. 

Quick tip: Provincial legislation can add extra requirements (for example, marine or remote-workplace kits). Always match your kit to both CSA size and local regulations.

2. Match Kit Size to Your Workforce

A quick headcount of the largest shift tells you which kit size you need:

Undersized kits run out of supplies fast and may leave you non-compliant in an inspection. Oversized kits, on the other hand, increase costs and make restocking harder.

3. Specialty Kits for Unique Environments

Not every workplace is a shop floor. Kitchens face burn hazards, recreational programs need portable soft packs, and restaurant staffs often require blue “detectable” bandages. WASIP First Aid Kits cover everything from Restaurant to Recreational and even WorkSafeBC-compliant sets, giving safety managers a turnkey solution without custom ordering. 

On Safety Supplies Canada, you’ll find a curated selection of these same WASIP kits ready to ship nationwide - including CSA, provincial and federal marine versions. Browse provincial & CSA kits here.

4. The Refill Factor: Staying Ready 365 Days a Year

Single-use items empty fast, and sterile products expire. A quarterly refill audit keeps you compliant and crisis ready.
Benefits include:

1. Up-to-date medications & sterile solutions - expired supplies can be ineffective or unsafe.
2. Zero downtime during emergencies - never run out of bandages when bleeding control is critical.
3. Regulatory peace of mind - inspectors often check expiry dates and quantity thresholds.

To simplify the process, stock dedicated refill packs such as the CSA Z1220-24 Type 1, 2 & 3 Refill Kits available through Safety Supplies Canada. Each pack replaces every item on the CSA check

list in one step.

5. Where to Buy – Fast, Compliant & Canadian

Shop now at Safety Supplies Canada: Your one-stop shop for CSA Z1220-24 kits, refill packs, and PPE. National warehouses mean quick delivery coast-to-coast.

Key  Takeaways

• Selecting the correct CSA-classified kit ensures legal compliance and worker safety.
• Match kit type to risk level and size to the biggest shift.
• Refill audits protect sterility, avoid shortages, and keep you inspection ready.
• WASIP kits and Safety Supplies Canada make compliance easy with ready-to-ship kits and refill packs.

Don’t wait until the bandages run out. Equip your team today — and schedule that next refill before the need arises.