First aid equipment, facilities and trained first aiders must be accessible to workers whenever they work including those working night shifts or overtime.
First aid kits
All workers must be able to access a first aid kit. The first aid kit should provide basic equipment for administering first aid for injuries such as:
- cuts, scratches, punctures, grazes and splinters
- muscular sprains and strains
- minor burns
- major bleeding wounds
- broken bones
- eye injuries
- shock.
Contents of first aid kits should match the risks in your workplace. Workplaces that use chemical liquids or have a higher risk of eye injuries may need extra first aid items. Choose a kit size, shape and type that suits your workplace and how it will be used.
Checking and maintaining first aid kits
Assign responsibility for checking and maintaining first aid kit to a trained first aider where possible. If a kit has not been used, check it at least once a year to ensure:
- all required items are included
- items are working and within their expiry dates
- sterile products are sealed and have not been tampered with
- the inventory list is updated, signed and dated.
Analgesics, such as paracetamol and aspirin should not be included in first aid kits as they can have adverse effects for some people, including pregnant women and people with medical conditions such as asthma. Workers who need prescription or over-the-counter medication should carry their own supply.
Workplaces may consider including emergency medication for severe asthma attacks or anaphylaxis. This may include an asthma-relieving inhaler with a spacer to treat severe asthma attacks and an epinephrine auto-injector, such as an EpiPen, to treat anaphylaxis.
Store these items according to the manufacturer’s instructions. First aiders and relevant co-workers should know where to find a worker’s asthma or anaphylaxis action plan and how to respond in an emergency.
Other first aid equipment
Workplaces should also consider other first aid equipment is necessary, for example automated external defibrillators or eye wash and shower equipment.
First aid signs
Displaying well-recognised first aid signs will assist workers and others in easily locating first aid equipment and facilities.
See Australian Standard AS 1319 Safety signs for the occupational environment for information on the design and use of signs.
First aid facilities
A risk assessment will help determine what first aid facilities are needed, including reliable ways to contact emergency services.
- First aid rooms
A first aid room should be suitable for the workplace and the hazards identified in the risk assessment. The room should be no smaller than 14m² with a 1 metre wide door to allow stretcher access. It should be located near a sink with hot and cold water and be well-lit and ventilated. The room should also display clear first aid signage, be close to toilet facilities and ensure privacy. - Health centres
Health centres staffed by a registered health practitioner (a doctor or nurse) or paramedic can provide emergency medical treatment and cater to the types of hazards in high risk workplaces, for example at a large mine site. - Rest areas
A rest area should be available for workers who become ill at work. The size and setup of the area should reflect the nature of the work, the workplace risks and the number of workers. Depending on these factors, this may be a dedicated area with a bed or a quiet space with a comfortable chair.
If a first aid room or rest area is not available, suitable arrangements should be in place to support anyone who becomes unwell at work. This may include access to medical attention or safe transport home.
Recommended first aid requirements
First aid requirements will depend on the work being carried out and the level of risk at the workplace. The table below provides recommended numbers of first aiders and resources for low-risk, high-risk and remote high-risk workplaces.
| Workplace | First aiders | First aid kits | First aid rooms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low risk | One first aider for every 50 workers | Basic first aid kit | Recommended for 200 workers or more |
| High risk | One first aider for every 25 workers | Basic first aid kit plus additional equipment identified for specific risks | Recommended for 100 workers or more |
| High risk - remote | One first aider for every 10 workers | In addition to the basic first aid kit:
| N/A |
Resources and guidance
- First aid in the workplace: Code of practice
This code of practice provides practical guidance on how to effectively provide first aid in the workplace. - Emergency showers and eyewash requirements
How compliant is your emergency shower and eyewash? What managers need to consider to comply with Australian Standard AS 4775.