Accidents can happen at any time in any Australian workplace.
Whether it’s a minor scrape or a snake bite, having a well-equipped workplace first aid kit can reduce the severity of an injury or illness, and even promote recovery. In some cases, a correctly stocked first aid kit can mean the difference between life and death.
In Australian workplaces, it’s a legal requirement to provide access to a first aid kit or supplies suitable for the risks and hazards inherent in the work environment.
According to Safe Work Australia, the contents of a first aid kit should be determined by a risk assessment. This takes into account the specific hazards present in a workplace.
1. Common items in Australian workplace first aid kits
While different workplaces pose different dangers, there are key items that are commonly included in workplace first aid kits.
- Nitrile powder-free gloves for personal protection
- Antiseptic wipes or spray to disinfect wounds
- Saline solution for eye or wound irrigation
- Non-stick dressing pads to protect open wounds or burns
- Combine dressing pads to control bleeding
- Sterile gauze swabs to clean wounds
- Adhesive dressing strips in different sizes to protect cuts and grazes
- Sterile eye pads to protect eye injuries
- Bandages including crepe, elasticised and compression of varying widths to secure dressings, support injuries and immobilise
- Hypoallergenic adhesive tape to secure dressings or pads
- Triangular bandages for slings and support
- Scissors to cut clothes or dressings
- Tweezers to remove foreign bodies
- CPR face shield or mask for protected CPR
- First aid booklet or sheet to aid first aid application
2. Additional items in Australian workplace first aid kits
For specific workplace hazards, additional first aid items may be necessary, eg.:
- Burn treatments for workplaces with hot surfaces or open flames
- Heavy-duty crepe bandages for snake bites in remote workplaces
- Emergency eye wash equipment for workplaces that handle chemicals
As well as a first aid kit, an automated external defibrillator (AED) may also be required where there’s a risk of electrocution or if a workplace has a large number of workers or is located far from emergency medical care.
3. Australian workplace first aid kit visibility and accessibility
A workplace first aid kit is only effective if readily accessible when needed.
It should be kept in a prominent, accessible location and have an instantly identifiable label with a white cross on a green background.
The first aid kit must be made of quality materials to protect the contents from dust, moisture and contamination.
4. Australian workplace first aid kit audits
Regularly checking a workplace first aid kit ensures any missing items can be replaced and existing items haven’t expired.
Keeping workplace first aid kits fully stocked and up-to-date ensures the safety and wellbeing of your workmates and site visitors.
To see when and how to audit your workplace first aid kit, click here
Conclusion
A well-equipped first aid kit in an Australian workplace is not only a matter of compliance, but critical for safeguarding the health and safety of workers.
As accidents can happen any time and anywhere at work, the contents of these kits must be carefully selected through a risk assessment process to address specific workplace hazards.
While common items like gloves, dressings and bandages form the core of workplace first aid kits, additional supplies may be necessary depending on the nature, location and hazards in the work environment.
First aid kits must be visible, easily accessible and undergo regular audits. Such practices can have a substantial impact on emergency scenarios, potentially saving lives while cultivating a safety-focused workplace culture.
References
Safe Work Australia: Workplace first aid