Is your workplace first aid kit safety compliant?

Ensuring your workplace first aid kit is fully stocked and organised with necessary supplies is one of the easiest ways you can promote safety in the workplace.

SafeWork NSW mandates that all workplaces must provide first aid equipment and facilities that are accessible by their employees. As per legal responsibility, workplaces are expected to use a first aid kit to reduce the severity of an injury and, in extreme cases, provide lifesaving support.

What does your first aid kit need to include?

As all workplaces are legally required to have at least one first aid kit accessible to employees, it is important to monitor and update the contents of it on a regular basis.

Basic equipment your workplace first aid kit should have include:

• First aid booklet
• Bandages
• Hypoallergenic tape
• Adhesive dressing strips (such as Band-Aids)
• Gauze swabs
• Dressing pads
• Sterile eye pads
• Alcohol swabs
• Disposable gloves
• Safety pins
• Sterile saline tubes/sachets
• Disposable resuscitation face shield
• Antiseptic skin swabs
• Notepad and permanent marker

The type of work your business undertakes, the industry you operate in, and your business’s RISK rating will determine the customisations you need to make to your first aid kit.

For example, if you work in a low-risk office environment you may just need the basics in your kit.

However, if you work at a mining site, your kit may include a defibrillator and equipment to aid with more serious injuries like amputation and fractures (in the rare case those circumstances occur).

If you’re unsure of the types of first-aid items your specific workplace requires, our team can provide guidance.

Why do I require a workplace first aid kit?

All workplaces are legally required to provide at least one first aid kit for their employees to access.

SafeWork NSW dictates that if you are a person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace, you must ensure that:

• First aid equipment is provided for the workplace.
• Each worker at the workplace has access to the first aid equipment.
• Access to facilities for the administration of first aid are provided.
• An adequate number of workers are trained to provide first aid at the workplace.
• Or workers have access to other persons who have been trained to provide first aid treatment.

While it is the business’ legal responsibility to provide an adequate first aid kit, employees also have a responsibility to take reasonable care of their own, and other employees health and safety while in the workplace.

How can we help with safety in your workplace?

Putting together a compliant workplace first aid kit can be overwhelming. Plus, we don’t expect you to know the exact items you need for your industry.

Our team of highly trained technicians will provide TGA and ISO 13485 accredited first aid products to assist you in meeting all first aid kit obligations. Our team will also provide a maintenance program for any kits we supply to ensure ongoing support to keep the kits in line with WHS legislation.

Contact us today to ensure your workplace first aid kit is up to date and ticks all the boxes.