This job gives me a headache.  I go to the first aid kit and can’t find any ibuprofen, aspirin or anything else to help me.  OSHA federal regulations refer to American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Minimum Requirements for Workplace First Aid Kits. ANSI Z308.1-2003.  This ANSI required list of items included in a first aid kit does not include any drugs.

Some states have specific and stringent laws when it comes to over-the-counter drugs and first aid kits.  California, for example, requires that a physician review items kept in first aid kits and also states that drugs shall not be kept in kit unless required by a physician.  This physician recommendation must be in writing.

Companies that service and stock first aid kits are paid by the items that they place in your first aid kit.  They have a financial interest in stocking, so OTC medications are regularly put in kits.  Just because they put them there doesn’t make it legal.  Be sure you have letter from a physician that states these medicatons are required, no matter what state you are in. 

What is your liability if an employee takes an OTC drug and has an alergic reaction?  Only doctors are allowed to dispense medicine so no OTC drugs in first aid kits.