What Supplies Should Be in a Workplace Emergency Kit?

TLDR;

A workplace emergency kit should include first aid, food and water, lighting, communication tools, personal protective gear, sanitation items, and essential documents. Rapid Rescue Kit recommends tailoring kits to your specific workplace type, size, and location for maximum effectiveness.

Proactive Workplace Safety Starts With Preparation

Every second counts in an emergency—and having the right workplace emergency kit supplies can make all the difference. Whether it's a fire, natural disaster, or power outage, being prepared isn’t optional. It’s a responsibility.

At Rapid Rescue Kit, we understand the importance of safeguarding your team. That’s why we’ve compiled this definitive, legally-aware guide for any business asking: What supplies should be in a workplace emergency kit?

This post walks through:

• A complete emergency kit checklist for offices and workplaces
  
• Legal and OSHA-related responsibilities
  
• How to customize kits by industry and geography
  
• Best practices for maintaining, updating, and training
  
• Downloadable checklists and trusted resources
  
  

Let’s break it down.

Why Every Workplace Needs an Emergency Kit

Emergencies happen without warning. From hurricanes to active threats, workplace incidents can disrupt business continuity and endanger lives.

Real-World Risks to Plan For:

• Natural disasters: Earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, wildfires
  
• Man-made emergencies: Fires, power outages, chemical spills
  
• Violent incidents: Intruders, workplace violence, lockdowns
  
  

OSHA Requirements & Liability

OSHA’s General Duty Clause requires employers to provide a safe workplace. Emergency preparedness isn’t just good practice—it helps mitigate liability, supports regulatory compliance, and protects employee welfare.

• 29 CFR 1910.38: Requires written emergency action plans for many workplaces
  
• 29 CFR 1910.151: Mandates first aid supplies and trained personnel
  
  

Ignoring these can result in fines or legal exposure.

Complete Workplace Emergency Kit Checklist

This section outlines the essential emergency supplies for the office to help you create a fully compliant and practical survival kit.

First Aid & Medical Supplies

Understanding the differences between a Trauma Kit vs First Aid Kit is crucial, as each serves specific purposes in treating injuries until medical professionals arrive.

• OSHA-compliant First Aid Kit
  
• Bandages (adhesive, gauze, triangular)
  
• Antiseptic wipes & antibiotic ointment
  
• Burn cream, cold packs
  
• Latex-free gloves
  
• Pain relievers (non-prescription)
  
• CPR mask or face shield
  
• Any necessary prescription medications
  
  

Tip: Regularly check expiration dates and restock items as needed.

Food and Water Essentials

Follow the 72-hour rule for disaster readiness.

• Water: One gallon per person per day for 3 days (minimum)
  
• Emergency food: Non-perishable bars, dried fruit, canned goods
  
• Water purification tablets or filtration straws
  
• Manual can opener
  
  

Store food and water in temperature-stable locations away from sunlight.

Light and Power Sources

If the power goes out, visibility becomes a priority.

• Flashlights and headlamps (with batteries)
  
• Solar-powered lanterns
  
• Glow sticks for short-term lighting
  
• Portable power banks
  
• Hand-crank phone chargers
  
  

Avoid relying solely on phones—battery life is limited during crises.

Communication Tools

Staying informed and coordinated is essential in a crisis.

• NOAA emergency radio (battery or hand-crank)
  
• Loud whistle for attracting attention
  
• Two-way radios (if applicable)
  
• Access to PA or internal alert systems
  
  

Have laminated instructions for non-tech-savvy team members.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE helps protect employees from smoke, debris, or biological hazards.

• N95 respirator masks
  
• Safety goggles
  
• Nitrile gloves
  
• Hard hats or bump caps
  
• Safety vests (high visibility)
  
• Fire blankets
  
  

Provide sizes that fit your workforce—don’t assume one-size-fits-all.

Sanitation and Hygiene

Poor hygiene during a crisis can lead to illness or contamination.

• Hand sanitizer & soap
  
• Toilet paper & moist towelettes
  
• Feminine hygiene products
  
• Waste bags and biohazard bags
  
• Paper towels and cleaning wipes
  
  

Designate disposal containers in kit storage areas.

Documentation & Emergency Contacts

Information access can save lives during evacuation or lockdown.

• Printed emergency contact lists
  
• Employee roster with medical alerts
  
• Facility evacuation routes and site maps
  
• Copies of business insurance and liability policies
  
• USB drive with essential company data
  
• Local maps
  
  

Keep these in waterproof pouches or sealed folders.

Customizing Emergency Kits for Your Workplace

Every business is unique. A “one-size-fits-all” kit can leave critical gaps. Here’s how to tailor your emergency supplies checklist for office or field environments.

Workplace Size

• Small offices (1–20 people): Compact kits with essentials, stored centrally
  
• Mid-size buildings (20–100 people): Multiple kits across departments
  
• Warehouses or factories: Include heavy-duty PPE, spill kits, communication radios
  
  

Rapid Rescue Kit recommends assigning “zone leaders” for larger spaces.

Location & Geography

Regional threats vary. Tailor your kit accordingly.

• Earthquake-prone areas: Include pry bars, dust masks, and space blankets
  
• Flood zones: Waterproof storage, water pumps, and sandbags
  
• Urban high-rises: Fire escape masks, stairwell lighting
  
• Rural areas: Long-term supplies due to slower response times
  
  

Consider seasonal weather as well—extreme heat or cold requires specialized gear.

Industry Type

The nature of your work impacts what supplies matter most.

• Healthcare: Biohazard gear, additional medical kits
  
• Manufacturing: Extra PPE, chemical spill kits, fire safety equipment
  
• Technology/Offices: Communication tools, data backup
  
• Schools: Child-specific supplies, parental contact cards
  
  

OSHA often has sector-specific guidelines—consult their resources.

Maintaining Workplace Emergency Kits

Emergency kits only help if they’re up-to-date and accessible. Here’s how to manage them.

Inspection & Restocking

• Check quarterly or semi-annually, depending on workplace type. Regular Restocking Emergency Supplies ensures that your kits remain functional, compliant, and ready for any emergency.
  
• Look for expired food, medications, or batteries
  
• Document inspections with a checklist and sign-off system
  
  

Suggested Kit Management Practices

• Assign a safety officer or building manager
• Keep an inventory list taped inside the kit
• Use color-coded bins to group items (e.g., red for medical, blue for sanitation)
• Track maintenance in your company’s safety log or software
  
  

Rapid Rescue Kit offers optional inventory systems to simplify this process.

Employee Safety Training & Emergency Response Integration

Having supplies isn’t enough—employees need to know how and when to use them.

Best Practices for Team Readiness

• Training sessions during onboarding and refreshers every 6–12 months
  
• Evacuation and lockdown drills that include kit usage
  
• Post clear signage showing kit locations
  
• Assign emergency team leaders or floor captains
  
• Educate staff on communication protocols and emergency numbers
  
  

Use real-world scenarios in training to improve engagement.

Strengthening Your Emergency Response Strategy

Creating and maintaining a workplace emergency kit isn’t just a box-checking exercise—it’s a proactive commitment to safety, readiness, and care for your team. Rapid Rescue Kit encourages every business to:

• Audit your current emergency supplies
  
• Involve your staff in emergency planning
  
• Download our checklist and evaluate your risk
  
  

Preparedness is a process, not a product. And the more thoughtful your approach, the safer your people will be when it matters most.