When it comes to workplace safety, acronyms like OSHA and ANSI get thrown around a lot — but understanding the difference between the two can mean the difference between being compliant and being prepared.
“OSHA is government-run and can legally set standards for workplace safety,” explained Adam Huntley, Sales Manager at CITY First Aid and Safety Supplies. “They have the ability to enforce rules through fines and shutdowns. ANSI, on the other hand, is non-government and generally regarded as best practices or suggestions. They sometimes overlap in OSHA decisions, which is why most people associate them with each other.”
For context:
• OSHA stands for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Labor responsible for enforcing workplace safety laws.
• ANSI stands for the American National Standards Institute, a private, non-profit organization that develops voluntary consensus standards and best practices for safety, quality, and performance across industries.
In other words, OSHA sets the rules. ANSI sets the bar for best practices.
“Our first aid kits, for example, are Class B OSHA-compliant but go above and beyond by including ANSI-recommended items,” Adam shared. “The best way to describe it is this: the FDA might say a certain drug is banned, where the American Heart Association says, ‘We suggest taking this pill in moderation.’ Both play an important role.”
Whether you’re running a manufacturing plant, a school district, or a service fleet, OSHA and ANSI share the same goal: safety.
“OSHA and ANSI have one goal in mind and that is safety,” Adam said. “Dismissing rules, regulations, or even suggestions can result in potentially hazardous work environments.”
Following both OSHA compliance and ANSI recommendations helps ensure that first aid cabinets, eyewash stations, and PPE stations are stocked and ready for real-life emergencies — not just checked off a compliance list.
Even with the best intentions, many businesses fall short when trying to handle first aid compliance on their own.
“The biggest mistake I see is customers not being compliant,” Adam explained. “A big misconception is they simply need to provide bandages, some gauze, etc., and they’re covered. Quite often I communicate with customers who ‘just ordered a 350-piece first aid kit’ not knowing that the items inside don’t meet the minimum requirements for their facility.”
That’s where CITY’s managed first aid program makes the difference. Each account is evaluated individually, ensuring the right class of kit, the correct quantity of supplies, and ongoing maintenance — so compliance doesn’t get left to chance.
“The best part of my job is working with customers to make their workplace safe, compliant, and making first aid something they no longer need to worry about,” Adam said.
At CITY First Aid and Safety Supplies, compliance isn’t a guessing game — it’s a system. With CITY, businesses can rest easy knowing their safety program meets (and exceeds) both OSHA and ANSI standards.
Want to make sure your first aid cabinets meet OSHA and ANSI requirements?
Schedule a safety assessment today at citysafeandsimple.com or contact your CITY First Aid Representative.