As an Australian business owner or manager, ensuring your workplace has adequate first aid provisions isn't just good practice—it's a legal requirement. The Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act places a duty of care on employers to provide appropriate first aid equipment and trained personnel. This comprehensive guide will help you understand your obligations and implement a compliant first aid program.
Understanding Your Legal Obligations
Under the harmonised Work Health and Safety legislation adopted by most Australian states and territories, persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the provision of first aid equipment and access to trained first aiders.
The specific requirements are outlined in the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and the associated Code of Practice for First Aid in the Workplace. While codes of practice are not strictly mandatory, they represent what is considered reasonably practicable in most circumstances and are admissible in court proceedings.
Key Legal Requirements
- Adequate first aid equipment for the nature of work and hazards
- First aid facilities that are accessible to all workers
- Access to trained first aid personnel during all work hours
- Information for workers about first aid arrangements
- Regular review and maintenance of first aid provisions
Conducting a First Aid Risk Assessment
The foundation of a compliant first aid program is a thorough risk assessment. This assessment determines the type and quantity of first aid equipment, the number of trained first aiders, and the facilities required for your specific workplace.
Factors to Consider
Your risk assessment should consider:
- Nature of the work: High-risk industries like construction, manufacturing, and mining require more comprehensive provisions than low-risk office environments
- Types of hazards: Consider specific risks such as chemicals, machinery, heights, remote work, and manual handling
- Size and layout of workplace: Large or multi-level sites may need multiple first aid stations
- Number of workers: More workers generally means more first aid resources
- Work patterns: Shift work, remote work, and lone workers have special considerations
- Location: Distance from emergency medical services affects response requirements
- Previous incidents: Historical injury data informs specific needs
Key Takeaway
Your first aid risk assessment should be documented, reviewed regularly (at least annually), and updated whenever there are significant changes to the workplace, work practices, or workforce.
First Aid Equipment Requirements
Based on your risk assessment, you'll need to provide appropriate first aid kits and equipment. The Code of Practice provides guidance on minimum contents, but your specific needs may require additional items.
Low-Risk Workplaces
Low-risk workplaces include offices, retail shops, and libraries where the main hazards are minor cuts, scratches, and bumps. A basic first aid kit should contain:
- Adhesive strips (assorted sizes)
- Sterile eye pads
- Sterile gauze squares
- Conforming bandages
- Triangular bandages
- Safety pins
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Disposable gloves
- Resuscitation mask
- Antiseptic solution
- Adhesive tape
- First aid instruction booklet
High-Risk Workplaces
High-risk workplaces such as construction sites, factories, and laboratories require additional supplies based on identified hazards. This might include:
- Heavy crepe bandages for pressure immobilisation (snake bite)
- Eye wash solution and eye baths
- Burns dressings and hydrogel
- Splints for fractures
- Emergency thermal blankets
- Additional quantities of all basic supplies
- Automated External Defibrillator (AED) - recommended for all workplaces
Regular Maintenance Required
First aid kits must be regularly checked and restocked. Designate a responsible person to inspect kits monthly, check expiry dates, and replenish used items. Document all inspections in a maintenance log.
First Aider Training Requirements
Having trained first aiders available is as important as having the right equipment. The Code of Practice recommends:
Minimum Number of First Aiders
As a general guide:
- Low-risk workplaces: 1 first aider per 50 workers
- High-risk workplaces: 1 first aider per 25 workers
- Remote or isolated workplaces: Higher ratios and additional training may be required
Remember to account for leave, shift work, and part-time workers. There should always be a first aider available during all working hours.
Training Standards
First aiders must hold a current nationally recognised statement of attainment for first aid training. The minimum recommended units are:
- HLTAID011 - Provide First Aid (valid for 3 years)
- HLTAID009 - Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) (valid for 1 year)
High-risk workplaces may require additional training such as advanced first aid, remote area first aid, or industry-specific courses (like working at heights rescue or confined space rescue).
First Aid Facilities
Depending on your workplace size and risk level, you may need a dedicated first aid room. The Code of Practice recommends a first aid room for:
- High-risk workplaces with 200 or more workers
- Low-risk workplaces with 800 or more workers
- Workplaces where the risk assessment identifies a need
First Aid Room Requirements
If a first aid room is required, it should include:
- Easy access for ambulance officers and stretchers
- A sink with hot and cold running water
- A first aid bed or examination couch
- Cupboards for storing first aid supplies
- Adequate lighting, heating, and ventilation
- A telephone for emergency calls
- Privacy from other work areas
Communication and Signage
Workers must know where to find first aid equipment and how to access first aiders. Ensure you:
- Display first aid signage using the white cross on green background symbol
- Include first aid information in induction training
- Display names and contact details of first aiders in prominent locations
- Provide information about emergency procedures
- Include first aid arrangements in workplace emergency plans
Record Keeping
Maintaining accurate records is both a legal requirement and good practice for continuous improvement. You should record:
- All first aid treatment provided (in a first aid register)
- First aid training records and certificate expiry dates
- First aid kit inspection and maintenance logs
- Risk assessment documents and reviews
- Incident reports for serious injuries
Need Compliant First Aid Kits?
Browse our range of WHS-compliant workplace first aid kits designed to meet Safe Work Australia requirements. All our workplace kits include contents lists and inspection logs.