Is Your Workplace First Aid Training Fit for Purpose?

Mar 21

3 min read

When it comes to workplace safety, booking a first aid or CPR course is often seen as a tick-the-box task. But in reality, a generic training session may not be enough. The question every business should be asking is:

Is our first aid training actually fit for our workplace?

Many industries have very specific risks. Yet too often, training is delivered without considering the hazards, environment, or people involved.

Here’s what makes the difference between ticking the box and truly being prepared.

What Does "Fit for Purpose" Mean?

First aid training that is fit for purpose is:

Relevant to your workplace risks – not just general injuries.
Contextualised for your team – using real scenarios they might face.
Aligned with your industry – covering injuries or situations more likely in your setting.
Compliant with current Safe Work Australia guidelines.
Delivered in a way that builds confidence – not just hands a certificate.

According to Safe Work Australia, workplaces must ensure that:

"A risk assessment will help you work out your first aid needs, like equipment, facilities and training."

The Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations require employers to:

Provide first aid equipment and facilities that are readily accessible.
Ensure an adequate number of workers are trained to administer first aid.
Take into account the nature of the work, hazards, and size and location of the workplace.

This means first aid training must be relevant to the specific risks and context of your business, not just a standard course done every three years.

Questions Every Business Should Ask

What injuries or medical emergencies are most likely in our line of work?
Are our first aiders confident responding to those scenarios?
Has our trainer discussed risks and tailored content to suit us?
Does the training cover the use of our AED or how to respond to asthma or anaphylaxis if relevant?
Do staff know where our first aid kit is, what’s in it, and if it suits our environment?
Do we have up-to-date policies and procedures for responding to incidents and recording them properly?

Examples by Industry

Construction or Trades: First aid should cover crush injuries, electrical incidents, major bleeds, and burns. Training should include Low Voltage Rescue if applicable.
Childcare and Schools: Choking, asthma, and anaphylaxis should be clearly covered, alongside paediatric CPR. Staff should also be familiar with student health plans and be trained in HLTAID012.
Offices: Training might focus on cardiac arrest, strokes, fainting, and managing low-level injuries such as sprains and minor burns.
Remote Workplaces: Extra provisions and training are needed where access to emergency services is delayed.

It’s More Than the Certificate

A nationally recognised certificate is only part of the picture. The real question is: Will your staff be able to act with confidence when something goes wrong?

At Safe Hands SA, we:

Deliver tailored training based on your risks and environment.
Include practical scenarios that make sense for your team.
Cover not just first aid skills, but kit checks, AED use, procedures, and reporting.
Keep training up-to-date with the latest WHS requirements and Safe Work guidance.

We also offer free, friendly advice to help you review what you have in place.