Workplace Health and Hygiene: WHS Responsibilities, Prevention and First Aid

🧼 Why Workplace Health and Hygiene Matter

Good hygiene isn’t just about cleanliness — it’s about keeping your workforce healthy, productive and compliant.According to Safe Work Australia, employers have a WHS responsibility to minimise the spread of infectious disease by providing safe systems of work, clean facilities, and hygiene supplies.

Seasonal illnesses like colds, flu and gastro can quickly impact staffing and safety.Strong workplace health and hygiene practices protect not just individual wellbeing, but also business continuity.

🧰 Workplace Health and Hygiene – Prevention and WHS Responsibilities

For all staff:

• Wash or sanitise hands regularly, especially before eating and after breaks.

• Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or elbow.

• Avoid sharing drink bottles, utensils or personal items.

• Stay home if unwell or contagious.

• Dispose of waste safely and keep shared areas tidy.

  
  

For managers and supervisors:

• Provide handwashing stations or sanitiser throughout the workplace.

• Clean and disinfect high-touch areas frequently.

• Encourage vaccinations where relevant (e.g. flu, COVID).

• Provide tissues, gloves, and cleaning supplies as part of your first aid and WHS plan.

• Reinforce good hygiene practices through regular toolbox/team talks.

  
  

These steps align with your obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA) and support a proactive health and safety culture.

🩹 First Aid and Response for Common Workplace Illnesses

The Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and Safe Work Australia emphasise that managing illness at work starts with recognition and prompt action:

If someone feels unwell at work:

1️⃣ Move them to a comfortable, quiet space away from others.

2️⃣ Encourage rest and hydration.

3️⃣ If symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, fever or dizziness — arrange transport home or call 000 if severe.

4️⃣ Clean any affected surfaces with disinfectant and wear gloves.

5️⃣ Monitor others for symptoms and review cleaning procedures.

For more serious cases:

• If a person becomes faint, unresponsive or struggles to breathe, follow ARC DRSABCD and begin CPR if required.

• Use PPE (gloves, masks) during first aid to reduce infection risk.

🌡 Seasonal Health and Hygiene Tips

Spring & Summer:

• Stay hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure.

• Use insect repellent and check for bites or stings.

• Store food safely to prevent contamination.

  
  

Autumn & Winter:

• Encourage flu vaccinations and extra cleaning of shared spaces.

• Increase ventilation where possible.

• Remind staff to stay home if unwell — don’t “push through”.

  
  

Strong workplace health and hygiene habits reduce absenteeism, improve morale and support compliance all year round.

🧾 Workplace Health and Hygiene Checklist

✅ Are handwashing facilities well stocked and working?

✅ Are shared areas cleaned and disinfected regularly?✅ Do staff understand infection control basics?

✅ Are PPE and first aid supplies accessible?

✅ Are unwell staff encouraged to stay home?

✅ Are hygiene practices discussed in toolbox/team talks?

If you want a team that’s prepared, confident and up to date, don’t wait for the next incident to start the conversation.

Explore our Toolbox/Team Talk Resources or get in touch to plan practical safety refreshers for your workplace.

📍 Go to our Free First Aid Resources page

For more free first aid resources, posters, guides and apps to support your workplace safety, visit our👉 Free First Aid Resources Page

Safe Hands SA – First Aid for Life

Helping workplaces stay safer, stronger, and more capable through ongoing learning, refreshers, and practical first aid resources.

📧 contact@safehandssa.com | 📞 0433 234 918 | 🌐 www.safehandssa.com