Workplace first aid kit contents being checked and restocked

How Often Should Workplace First Aid Kits Be Checked? A Practical Guide for Australian Workplaces

Workplace first aid kits need to be stocked, accessible and ready to use. A kit that is missing gloves, dressings, saline, bandages or CPR barriers may not support an effective response when an incident occurs.

Regular first aid kit checks help workplaces identify used, expired, damaged or missing items before they become a problem. They also help ensure the kit remains suitable for the workplace, the number of workers, the type of work being done and the risks present.

This guide explains how often workplace first aid kits should be checked, what to look for during an inspection and how Enzo Medix can help with first aid kit refills, PPE, workplace first aid kits and kit management supplies.

Enzo Medix supplies workplace first aid kits, first aid kit refills, PPE, CPR training supplies, AED accessories and practical first aid products for workplaces, training providers, schools, clinics, support providers and organisations across Australia.

How often should workplace first aid kits be checked?

As a practical rule, workplace first aid kits should be checked monthly, after every use and whenever workplace conditions change.

Higher-risk workplaces or high-use environments may need checks more often, such as weekly or fortnightly. A low-risk office may not use its kit often, but it should still have a routine checking process so expired or missing stock does not go unnoticed.

The right checking schedule will depend on the type of workplace, the number of workers, the likelihood of injuries, how often the kit is used and whether workers are located in one place, across multiple sites or on the road.

Why regular first aid kit checks matter

A first aid kit is only useful if the right supplies are available when they are needed. If a kit has been used but not restocked, the next first aider may find that important items are missing.

Regular checks can help workplaces:

  • Replace used first aid items quickly
  • Identify expired sterile products
  • Remove damaged or contaminated items
  • Keep gloves, dressings, bandages and saline available
  • Confirm that kits are accessible and clearly labelled
  • Check that the kit still suits the workplace risks
  • Reduce last-minute ordering and stock shortages
  • Support better workplace first aid readiness

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Recommended first aid kit checking schedule

After every use

A first aid kit should be checked as soon as possible after it has been used. Even a minor cut, graze or small incident can remove important items from the kit, such as gloves, dressings, wipes, saline or adhesive strips.

Replacing items after use helps keep the kit ready for the next incident.

Monthly routine check

A monthly check is a useful baseline for most workplaces. This allows the responsible person to identify missing stock, damaged packaging, expired items and any supplies that need to be reordered.

Monthly checks are especially useful for offices, schools, clinics, support providers, community organisations, small warehouses and training providers.

Weekly or fortnightly for higher-risk workplaces

Some workplaces should check first aid kits more frequently because their kits are more likely to be used or exposed to damage, dust, heat, moisture or frequent handling.

More frequent checks may suit:

  • Construction sites
  • Warehouses
  • Manufacturing workplaces
  • Sports clubs and gyms
  • Schools and childcare settings
  • Remote or mobile work teams
  • Work vehicles
  • Training providers running regular first aid courses
  • Support providers and community care organisations

Annual full review

In addition to routine checks, workplaces should complete a more detailed review at least once a year. This is a good time to confirm whether the first aid kit still matches the workplace risk profile.

For example, a workplace may need to update its kit if it has more staff, new work activities, additional vehicles, new sites, higher-risk tasks or changed access to emergency services.

Who should check the workplace first aid kit?

A workplace should nominate a responsible person to check and restock first aid kits. This may be a first aider, WHS officer, office manager, site supervisor, operations manager or another trained team member.

The important point is that someone is clearly responsible. If nobody owns the task, kits are more likely to become incomplete over time.

In workplaces with multiple kits, vehicles or sites, it can help to keep a simple first aid kit register showing where each kit is located, when it was last checked and what items were replaced.

What should be checked in a first aid kit?

A first aid kit check should look at more than just whether the box is present. The person checking the kit should review stock levels, expiry dates, packaging condition, accessibility and whether the kit remains suitable for the workplace.

1. Stock levels

Check that required items are present and that commonly used items have not run low.

Common first aid kit items include:

  • Disposable gloves
  • Adhesive strips
  • Wound dressings
  • Non-adherent dressings
  • Combine dressings
  • Gauze swabs
  • Crepe bandages
  • Conforming bandages
  • Triangular bandages
  • Medical tape
  • Saline ampoules
  • Eye pads
  • Burn dressings or burn supplies, where suitable
  • CPR face shield or resuscitation mask
  • Scissors and tweezers
  • Emergency blanket
  • First aid instruction booklet

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2. Expiry dates

Many first aid kit items have expiry dates, especially sterile dressings, saline, eye pads and some wound care products. Expired items should be removed and replaced.

Keeping a simple checklist can make expiry date checks easier and reduce the chance of missing older stock.

3. Packaging condition

First aid items should be clean, sealed and ready to use. Replace any item with packaging that is torn, wet, contaminated, crushed or damaged.

Packaging condition is especially important for sterile items.

4. Gloves and PPE

Disposable gloves are one of the most commonly used first aid kit items. Check that gloves are available, clean, correctly stored and suitable for the workplace.

Nitrile gloves are a practical option for many workplaces because they are latex-free and suitable for general first aid use. Latex gloves may also be used where appropriate, provided latex allergy considerations have been managed.

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5. CPR barriers and resuscitation supplies

CPR face shields and resuscitation masks support safer CPR training and emergency response. Workplaces should check that CPR barrier items are present, sealed and ready to use.

View CPR training masks with valves or view CPR mask rolls.

6. Accessibility

A first aid kit should be easy to find and easy to access. During each check, confirm that the kit is in the correct location and not blocked by furniture, stock, equipment or locked storage.

Staff should know where the kit is located and who to notify when items are used.

7. Suitability for the workplace

A first aid kit should match the workplace. A small office, warehouse, vehicle fleet, training centre, clinic and sports club may all need different supplies.

If the workplace has changed, the first aid kit may also need to change.

First aid kit checking checklist

Use this checklist during routine workplace first aid kit inspections:

  • Is the kit in the correct location?
  • Is the kit clearly visible and accessible?
  • Is the kit clean and in good condition?
  • Are all required items present?
  • Are commonly used items fully stocked?
  • Are sterile items sealed and undamaged?
  • Are all expiry dates acceptable?
  • Are disposable gloves available?
  • Are CPR barriers or masks available?
  • Are damaged, expired or contaminated items removed?
  • Has the checklist been signed and dated?
  • Have replacement items been ordered?

What should be replaced during a first aid kit check?

Items should be replaced when they are used, expired, damaged, contaminated, missing or no longer suitable for the workplace.

Common replacement items include:

  • Disposable gloves
  • Adhesive strips
  • Gauze swabs
  • Wound dressings
  • Combine dressings
  • Non-adherent dressings
  • Bandages
  • Saline ampoules
  • Eye pads
  • Medical tape
  • CPR face shields
  • Burn dressings
  • First aid instruction booklets

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First aid kit refills and replacement options

Refill packs can make workplace first aid kit restocking easier. Instead of replacing an entire kit, workplaces may be able to replace used sections, specific consumables or complete refill packs.

Enzo Medix supplies first aid kit refills, modular kit options, workplace kits and replacement items to support ongoing kit maintenance.

Workplace first aid kits to consider

If your current kit is old, disorganised or no longer suitable, it may be time to review your first aid kit setup.

Modular and softpack kits can make checking and restocking easier because supplies are organised into sections or modules.

Do vehicle first aid kits need checking?

Yes. If workers travel as part of their role or work away from a fixed site, vehicle first aid kits may be needed and should be checked regularly.

Vehicle kits may be exposed to heat, movement, dust or frequent handling, so it is important to check that items remain sealed, clean and suitable for use.

Vehicle first aid kits may be useful for:

  • Mobile workers
  • Community care and support teams
  • Delivery and transport workers
  • Trades and field teams
  • Remote or regional work
  • School, sports or community vehicles

Do AED supplies need checking too?

If your workplace has an AED, it should be checked as part of your emergency equipment routine. AED accessories such as pads, batteries, prep kits, razors, gloves and CPR masks may need replacement over time.

AED prep kits can help keep emergency response items organised with the AED or first aid station.

First aid kits for trainers and RTOs

First aid trainers and RTOs often need both live first aid supplies and separate training supplies. Training stock may include CPR masks, gloves, bandages, AED trainers, placebo inhalers, EpiPen trainers and demonstration items.

Keeping training supplies separate from emergency-use kits can help prevent workplace kits from being accidentally depleted during classes.

Bulk restocking and account support

Workplaces with multiple sites, vehicles or training rooms may benefit from bulk ordering. Regular restocking can help reduce last-minute shortages and make first aid kit management easier.

Enzo Medix can support bulk orders for workplaces, RTOs, first aid trainers, schools, clinics, support providers and organisations across Australia.

Request bulk pricing for first aid supplies.

First aid kit supplies by location

Enzo Medix supplies first aid kits, first aid kit refills, PPE, CPR training supplies, AED accessories and workplace safety products across Australia.

Frequently asked questions

How often should workplace first aid kits be checked?

Most workplaces should check first aid kits monthly and after every use. Higher-risk or high-use workplaces may need weekly or fortnightly checks.

Who is responsible for checking first aid kits?

The workplace should nominate a responsible person, such as a first aider, WHS officer, site supervisor, office manager or other suitable team member.

What items expire in a first aid kit?

Sterile dressings, saline, eye pads, some wound care products and other consumables may have expiry dates. Expired, damaged or contaminated items should be replaced.

Should first aid kits be checked after use?

Yes. A kit should be checked after every use so missing or used items can be replaced before the next incident.

Do vehicle first aid kits need checking?

Yes. Vehicle kits should be checked regularly, especially if vehicles are used daily, shared by staff or exposed to heat, dust or movement.

Should AED accessories be checked with first aid kits?

Yes. If your workplace has an AED, it is useful to check AED pads, batteries, prep kits and related accessories as part of your emergency equipment routine.

Can Enzo Medix help with first aid kit refills?

Yes. Enzo Medix supplies first aid kit refills, PPE, gloves, bandages, CPR training supplies, AED accessories and workplace first aid products across Australia.

Keep your workplace first aid kits ready

Regular first aid kit checks help keep your workplace prepared. By checking kits monthly, after every use and whenever workplace conditions change, you can identify missing, expired or damaged supplies before they affect an emergency response.

Enzo Medix supplies workplace first aid kits, first aid kit refills, disposable gloves, PPE, CPR masks, AED accessories, bandages and bulk first aid supplies for workplaces and organisations across Australia.

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