First Aid
Discover what you need for first aid in your workplace, including recommended practices, key templates and documents, first aid kit contents, and much more.Â
First aid saves lives.
Up the ante on your workplace first aid processes today.
What is First Aid?
No matter how well we prepare, medical events (e.g., cardiac events, seizures, fainting) and accidents, can occur. It's imperative therefore, that your workplace has ample first aid provisions, including a sufficient number of trained First Aid Officer's to deal with a first aid situation should it arise. In addition to being a legislative requirement for workplaces in Australia, the first aid you provide could save a life.
How do you set up First Aid at work?
1) Consult with your workforce and get them involved
2) Review your work areas and activities to determine the injuries or illnesses that could occur. This will help inform the first aid provisions you need. Use this risk assessment form to facilitate this process
3) Implement the required first aid provisions and document everything in your Workplace First Aid Procedure
4) Ensure a sufficient number of employees are trained and proficient in the relevant First Aid qualification
5) Ensure everyone knows how and where to access first aid assistance if they need, and
6) Continually monitor, review, and update your processes and resources as required.
First Aid FAQs
To determine your workplace first aid requirements, you need to assess the specific risks and hazards present for each site you operate, and for everywhere your workers may work. This includes considering:
- the size and location of the workplace
- whether your workers need to travel or work remotely
- the number of employees on site (we also recommend considering the number of visitors too - they could require first aid assistance at any time)
- the types of activities being performed, and
- any known hazards.
You should also consult the relevant regulations and Code of Practice for your state or territory, which provide specific guidance on first aid kits, facilities, and trained personnel, to ensure you comply with specific legal requirements. Links to these can be found at the bottom of the page, or via our Legislation page.
At work, first aid treatment should be administered by a person who holds a current First Aid qualification. These are typically obtained through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) provider, such as St Johns Ambulance or the Red Cross. Employers must ensure that an appropriate number of employees are trained and qualified in first aid, and the number of trained personnel (i.e. First Aid Officer's) will depend on the location and risk level of the site (e.g., low, high, or remote/high). First Aid Officer's are also required to keep their certification up-to-date. Whilst anyone can help in an emergency, having trained First Aid Officer's on-site is a legal requirement to ensure care is available for workers and visitors, and the organisation complies with OHS / WHS regulations.
The number of First Aid Officer's required at work depends on the size of the workforce, the type of work being performed, the location of the work and all associated risks (including shifts performed and availability / response times for emergency services, etc). As a minimum guide, you will likely need:
- Low Risk Workplaces (e.g., offices, retail): 1 First Aid Officer for every 50 people. In Victoria that then becomes an additional First Aid Officer for every 100 after you already have 2 First Aid Officers
- High Risk Workplaces (e.g., construction, manufacturing): 1 First Aid Officer for every 25 workers. In Victoria that then becomes an additional First Aid Officer for every 50 after you already have 2 First Aid Officers
- Remote High Risk Workplaces: 1 First Aid Officer (with advanced training) for every 10 workers (harmonised legislation)
These numbers are a guide only - always check your local OHS / WHS regulations and Codes of Practice for the most accurate First Aid Officer ratios.
A workplace first aid kit should contain items tailored to the specific hazards and risks of each work environment, but typically will include essentials like adhesive dressings, sterile gauze, bandages, disposable gloves, antiseptic wipes, and scissors. Australian OHS / WHS law recommends that first aid kits should also have items like eye pads, splints, thermal blankets, and instructions for CPR. There's usually a cheat sheet / guide printed in the back of each State of Territory Code of Practice / Compliance Code which is helpful, but may not be exhaustive for your requirements. First Aid kits should also be regularly checked and replenished as necessary, and the kit should be easily accessible. Be sure to check with your local Code of Practice / Compliance Code to ensure your kits comply.
Yes they do! Under Australian OHS / WHS law, it's important to keep a record of all first aid treatment provided, including the date of the incident, details of the injury or illness, the treatment given, and the name of the injured person. This helps employers track workplace health and safety issues, identify patterns or recurring risks, and comply with reporting obligations. Records should be kept confidential and stored securely. Always check with your local regulator regarding specific injury / illness reporting requirements.
For guidance on workplace first aid, refer to:
- First Aid in the Workplace Model Code of Practice - published by SafeWork Australia
- Each State and Territory First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice (all except VIC) - these are modelled off the Model Code of Practice (above), but may have their own additional guidance on first aid requirements. These can be found by visiting the WorkSafe website for the State or Territory the business operates in.
- Victorian Compliance Code: First Aid in the Workplace - for Victorian businesses. This is available at WorkSafe Vic
- Australian Red Cross and St John Ambulance - these organisations (along with others) offer first aid training, first aid kits, as well as other valuable resources and downloads on first aid practices and requirements for various workplace settings.
We're also working on a guide, so stay tuned!! 😃
What about Mental Health First Aid?
First aid isn't complete without considering our mental health. Commencing in 2000, Mental Health First Aid is an amazing program designed to train Instructors, and equip organisations, with the ability to assist individuals in times of mental health need. You can check their site for Instructor dates, and we highly recommend this invaluable program for workplaces both big and small.
Need something custom?
We're continually uploading new resources, but if you need a custom solution, click the button below and tell us what you need! Turn around times usually range from 24 hours to 1 week.
