Does Your Workplace First Aid Kit Meet Safe Work Australia Standards?

Mar 21

3 min read

A well-stocked and properly maintained first aid kit is a legal requirement under workplace health and safety laws in Australia. But beyond compliance, it’s a critical safety measure that ensures your team can respond effectively in an emergency.

Does your first aid kit actually meet the needs of your workplace? And do you need an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)? Here’s what every workplace should know.

What Are the Safe Work Australia Requirements for First Aid Kits?

Under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations, every workplace must have at least one readily accessible first aid kit.

Safe Work Australia outlines that your first aid kit should be:

✅ Stocked with supplies relevant to your workplace risks

✅ Located in a clearly accessible area

✅ Regularly checked and restocked as needed

✅ Maintained by a designated person or first aider

The exact contents of your kit should be determined by a risk assessment. While there is no fixed list, Safe Work Australia suggests including items for treating cuts, burns, eye injuries, muscular strains, fractures, major bleeding, and shock.

👉 Source: Model Code of Practice: First aid in the workplace

What Should Be in Your Workplace First Aid Kit?

While a basic kit contains standard first aid supplies, your workplace hazards should determine what additional items are required.

Standard First Aid Kit Items (All Workplaces)

✔️ Adhesive dressings (band-aids)

✔️ Sterile gauze pads & non-stick dressings

✔️ Bandages (crepe, triangular, compression)

✔️ Eye pads & saline solution

✔️ Antiseptic wipes or solution

✔️ Disposable nitrile gloves

✔️ Scissors and tweezers

✔️ Thermal/emergency blanket

✔️ Resuscitation face shield or mask

✔️ First aid booklet

Workplace-Specific First Aid Kit Considerations

Different industries require additional supplies based on their unique risks.

🏗️ Construction & Trades

🔹 Major wound dressings for deep cuts & crush injuries

🔹 Burn treatments for welding or fire risks

🔹 Eye wash solutions for dust, debris, or chemical exposure

🔹 Low Voltage Rescue (LVR) kit for electrical work

🎒 Childcare & Schools

🔹 CPR masks suitable for children

🔹 Child-sized bandages & dressings

🔹 Allergy management – anaphylaxis & asthma plans

🔹 General-use adrenaline autoinjector (EpiPen) (required in SA schools and preschools)

🔹 Asthma relievers & spacers (if required under a student’s health plan)

🏢 Offices

🔹 Cold packs for sprains & strains

🔹 Eye wash for minor irritations

🔹 Burn dressings for kitchen accidents

🚙 Remote & Isolated Workplaces

🔹 Comprehensive first aid manual

🔹 Emergency communication device (satellite phone, PLB)

🔹 Additional wound care & medication storage

🔹 Thermal blankets for extreme weather conditions

👉 - First aid | Safe Work Australia

Does Your Workplace Need a Defibrillator (AED)?

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is not legally required in all workplaces, but it is highly recommended, particularly for:

✔️ High-risk workplaces (construction, remote sites, aged care)

✔️ Workplaces with large staff numbers or public foot traffic

✔️ Locations where medical response times may be delayed

What Does South Australian Law Say About AEDs?

As of January 1, 2025, the Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Act 2022 requires AEDs to be installed in some public buildings, facilities, and vehicles. While this does not yet apply to private businesses, it highlights the increasing importance of defibrillators in public and workplace settings.

👉 Source: South Australian Legislation – AED Public Access Act 2022

What If You Don’t Have an AED On-Site?

Even if you don’t have an AED, it’s vital to know where the closest one is.

Here’s how to find one in South Australia:

📍 Use an AED locator app like National AED Locator App | Find AEDs Near You with Heart of the Nation or GoodSAM
📍 Call 000—operators can direct you to the nearest defib
📍 Check the SA Ambulance AED Register

💡 Using an AED within the first few minutes of cardiac arrest increases survival rates to over 70%.