When it comes to workplace safety, the details matter. The most significant, and likely overlooked, aspect of a safe workplace is an Australian standard first aid kit. It is mandatory.
First aid, according to Safework.nsw, is “the immediate treatment or care given to someone suffering from an injury or illness until further advanced care is accessed or the individual recovers.”
All workplaces under Australian WHS (Work Health and Safety) Laws must ensure that first aid kits are present, up to date and relevant to the specific workplace hazards. This means knowing what a compliant first aid kit should include and ensuring that it is regularly serviced and restocked. This article explores why compliant first aid kits are essential, what they must include, how often they should be checked and best practices for workplace first aid preparedness.
The Legal Significance of a Compliant First Aid Kit in Australian Workplaces
Employee health is one of the most important aspects of workplace culture. Under the Model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations, all workplaces in Australia need to:
- Provide all employees with access to first aid facilities.
- The first aid facilities must be stocked with equipment that employees can utilise.
- Have sufficient staff with first aid training where necessary.
These regulations make it clear: possessing a compliant first aid is mandatory. Noncompliance can result in serious penalties, especially in the event there is an incident and the workplace is found lacking.
Real Life Implications of Non-Compliance
A company failing to meet workplace safety needs or lacking compliant first aid kits can be faced with severe legal and financial consequences. Here are a few examples:
In March 2024, Victorian manufacturer A&J Australia Pty Ltd was fined $545,000 after a range of safety shortcomings led to serious work-related injuries. It included a fire that caused serious burns after an employee used an unmarked bottle of methylated spirits to extinguish a fire.
Another incident that attracted a fine at the same company happened when a machine operator got hurt in the head and required stitches. Investigations revealed that the company had not provided safe systems of work and failed to properly train staff on safe emergency procedures, including safe first aid practices.
These failures were not simply lapses but actual breaches of workplace safety laws, with heavy fines and reputational costs. The case is used to highlight the importance of not only having first aid kits but also of ensuring that they are compliant, accessible and supported by adequate staff training and procedures.
Why a Compliant First Aid Kit is Important
- Immediate Emergency Response
In the case of an emergency at work, every second counts. A compliant first aid kit allows for immediate and appropriate treatment of injuries, reducing the severity of the cases and even saving lives. Moreover, with a well-stocked first-aid kit handy, you can deal with an emergency situation till medical help arrives.
- Legal Protections for Employers
When employers maintain compliant kits and meet WHS obligations, they demonstrate their commitment to safety. This can reduce liability and offer legal protection if an incident occurs.
- Improved Safety Culture
When the employees in a company see that their employers take safety very seriously, by doing things like organising periodic company-wide training or properly stocking first aid kits and penalising defaulters of safety rules, they are more likely to develop a safety-conscious attitude. This contributes to a safer, healthier and more proactive workplace.
- Less Downtime and Cost
Treating minor workplace injuries can prevent them from becoming more serious injuries, reducing downtime and preventing unnecessary medical expenses or worker’s compensation claims.
What Should be in a Compliant Workplace First Aid Kit?
The supplies contained in a workplace first aid kit may vary depending on the type of work and the particular hazards involved. A general compliant first aid kit in Australia however should include:
- Adhesive dressings of various sizes for minor cuts and scrapes.
- Bandages (conforming, crepe, triangular)
- Sterile dressing and gauze pads for wounds
- Safety pins for securing bandages or slings
- Burn dressing or gel for immediate treatment of minor burns
- Instant cold pack to reduce swellings from sprains or bruises
- Disposable gloves for infection control
- Eye pads and eye wash solution
- Antiseptic and wound cleaning solution
- Scissors and tweezers for cutting bandages and removing debris
- CPR face shield or mask as a barrier device for performing CPR safely
- Thermal blanket
- First aid leaflet or guide for emergency instructions
- Notebook and pen to report incidents
Other items can be required for higher risk industries such as construction, factories or labs. Various Australian suppliers provide a selection of fully supplied, compliant first aid kits to meet a variety of industry needs.
How Often Should First Aid Kits be Checked and Refilled?
Regular maintenance should be performed to ensure your kit remains compliant and operational. Safe Work Australia recommends:
- Routine checks (every 3 to 6 months) to ensure all contents are on hand and in good working condition.
- Restocking as soon as used.
- Replacing expired or spoiled supplies immediately.
- Having a checklist in the kit to track checks and inventory.
Having a trained personnel check and service first aid kits guarantees compliance and readiness. For big workplaces, first aid room checks and periodic audits may also be necessary.
If you have 200+ workers or high-risk operations you may need:
- A dedicated first aid room.
- Advanced medical equipment (eg defibrillators).
Conclusion
A compliant first aid kit is a foundation of workplace safety. It shows that a company cares about the well-being of its employees and is ready for when accidents do occur. Beyond the legal requirement, it is an investment in health, safety and operational efficiency ahead of time.
Waiting for something to happen before you notice that your first aid kit is not up to standard is inadvisable. Ensure your workplace has compliant workplace first aid kits that live up to Australian WHS standards.
Regular inspection, good training and suitable equipment can be the difference between a quick, effective emergency response and a preventable tragedy at work. Priorities compliance. Prioritise safety. Prioritise your staff!
