Workplace First Aid Requirements: Managing Risk and Reputation
20 hours ago
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When it comes to first aid, every workplace has two key responsibilities — protecting people and protecting reputation.
Safe Work SA’s Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace outlines that all businesses must manage the risk of injury or illness by providing the right people, equipment, and
processes.
At Safe Hands SA, we take it one step further.We talk about two types of risk:
Risk to people – not having the right equipment or trained staff when something happens.
Risk to reputation – being unable to show you met your duty of care in the event of an incident, audit, or insurance review.
When your workplace is prepared, you’re not only protecting your team — you’re protecting your brand.
Step 1 – Understand Your Legal Responsibilities
Every business, no matter the size, must ensure that:
First aid equipment is provided and maintained.
Workers have access to trained First Aiders.
Information about first aid arrangements is clearly displayed and communicated.
To understand your obligations, refer to the official Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace published by Safe Work Australia.
👉 Download the Code of Practice (PDF)
This guide explains how to:
Assess workplace risks and potential injuries.
Determine how many trained First Aiders you need.
Select suitable first aid kits, facilities, and equipment.
If you’re not sure where to start, visit our Resources Page for quick links and free tools to help you make sense of workplace first aid compliance.
Step 2 – Decide How Many First Aiders You Need
The number of First Aiders depends on:
Number of workers and size of your workplace
Level of risk involved in the work
Distance to medical services
Work shifts, rosters, and remote locations
Workplace Type | Example | Minimum Trained First Aiders |
Low Risk – office, retail, admin | Accounting firm with 12 staff | 1 trained First Aider |
Medium Risk – warehouse, childcare, aged care | Aged care facility with 35 staff and 60 residents | 2–3 trained First Aiders (one per floor or area) |
High Risk – construction, electrical, manufacturing | Electrical contractor with 10 field workers | 1 per work group or 1:10 ratio |
Remote or Isolated Work | Winery or regional site | All workers should have basic first aid and a stocked kit in each vehicle |
💡 Tip: Make sure every shift, site and vehicle has trained coverage — not just your main office.
Step 3 – Check Your Kits and Equipment
First aid kits must:
Be clearly labelled and easy to access.
Contain items suited to your specific workplace risks.
Be checked regularly for expired or used items.
🔗 Download: First Aid Kit Compliance Checklist
📱 Scan the QR code on our Resources page to access the First Aid Kit Resources & Restock Tool (coming soon).
Kit Setup Tip: Make It Easy to Use in an Emergency
How your kit is organised can make a huge difference when seconds count.
Modular kits (with colour-coded pouches) make it faster to find what you need.
If you’re using a standard kit, group items into clearly labelled zip bags — e.g. burns, wounds, eye injuries, resuscitation.
Make sure everyone knows where the kit and AED are kept, and that they’re not locked away.
Display a First Aid sign above the storage location.
💡 During training or induction, take two minutes to show your team what’s inside the kit and how to access it quickly in an emergency.
🔗 Visit: Safe Hands SA Resources Page
⚡ AEDs (Defibrillators)
If your workplace has an AED, check that it’s:
Registered on the SA Ambulance AED Register (GoodSAM).
Maintained according to manufacturer guidelines.
Clearly signed and accessible.
For more on South Australia’s AED requirements, see our blog:
👉 SA’s AED Legislation: What You Need to Know and Why CPR Training is Essential
Step 4 – Train and Refresh Your Staff
Ensure enough workers are trained and certificates are current:
CPR (HLTAID009) – refresh every 12 months
First Aid (HLTAID011) – renew every 3 years
Low Voltage Rescue (UETDRMP007 / UETDRMP018) – annual requirement for electrical workers
Training should reflect the real risks of your workplace — whether that’s tools, public contact, or working alone.
🔗 Book training: Contact Us
All sessions include hands-on training, same-day certificates, and support with compliance and record-keeping.
Step 5 – Prevent and Prepare with Toolbox Talks
Prevention is just as important as response.
Regular safety meetings, team discussions or toolbox talks are an easy, effective way to keep first aid awareness high and identify risks before incidents occur.
Use these sessions to:
Review where first aid kits and AEDs are located
Check expiry dates and restock needs
Confirm who’s trained in First Aid or CPR
Discuss near misses or small issues before they become serious
Plan refresher training or equipment updates
💡 Tip: Document each discussion — it’s a simple way to show active safety management and meet WHS audit expectations.*
🔗 Download: Safety Meeting Template – First Aid Readiness (coming soon to our Resources Page)
Step 6 – Manage an Incident
When an incident occurs:
Provide first aid – ensure safety and call 000 if required.
Document what happened – who was involved, what treatment was given, and what items were used.
Restock any supplies used immediately.
Review the incident at your next team meeting or toolbox talk.
Update your risk assessment or procedures if needed.
💡 Good documentation shows due diligence and supports WHS compliance.
Step 7 – Review and Improve
Review your workplace first aid setup at least once a year — or sooner if:
You’ve had an incident
Staff numbers or layout have changed
You’ve added new hazards or equipment
Ongoing reviews keep your workplace compliant and your team confident.
🟩 Visit: Resources Page for free downloads, infographics, and first aid training information.
First aid compliance isn’t just about ticking a box — it’s about keeping your people safe, your records audit-ready, and your reputation strong.
If you’d like help reviewing your workplace setup or booking group training, contact us:
📞 0433 234 918 | 🌐 www.safehandssa.com
⚖️ Disclaimer
The information in this article is provided as general guidance to help workplaces understand their first aid responsibilities under Safe Work SA requirements.It does not replace the Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace or any applicable legislation.Each business must assess its own risks and ensure first aid arrangements meet current legal and operational needs.
