Workplace First Aid Checklist: What Every Australian Workplace Should Review

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Workplace first aid is more than having a kit on the wall

First aid can make a critical difference when an injury or illness occurs at work. In Australia, a person conducting a business or undertaking, also known as a PCBU, has duties relating to first aid in the workplace.

Safe Work Australia states that workplaces must provide access to at least one first aid kit, first aid facilities, and trained first aiders. Workers must be able to access first aid equipment, facilities and trained first aiders at all times, including during night shifts, overtime and work away from the usual workplace.

A workplace first aid checklist helps you review whether your workplace is prepared, whether your kits are stocked and accessible, and whether your first aid arrangements still match your current risks.

Why use a workplace first aid checklist?

First aid needs are not the same for every workplace. An office, construction site, warehouse, mobile workforce, clinic, school, support service or remote worksite may all need different first aid arrangements.

Safe Work Australia recommends using a first aid risk assessment to work out what equipment, facilities and training are needed. The assessment should consider the type of work, workplace hazards, workplace size and location, as well as the number and type of people at the workplace, including workers, contractors, subcontractors, volunteers and visitors.

A regular checklist helps you confirm:

• first aid kits are available and easy to access;
• supplies are clean, sealed, in date and suitable for workplace risks;
• trained first aiders are available and easy to identify;
• workers know where to find first aid support;
• first aid arrangements are reviewed when work conditions change.

1. Check your workplace first aid risk profile

Start by reviewing the workplace itself. Ask whether your current first aid arrangements still reflect the risks present in your business.

Consider:

• What work is being performed?
• Are there risks such as cuts, burns, chemicals, machinery, sharps, falls, heat exposure or manual handling injuries?
• Are workers spread across several areas, floors, buildings or vehicles?
• Do workers travel, work remotely or work alone?
• Are visitors, children, clients, patients or support participants present?
• Have staffing levels, work activities or site layouts changed recently?

Safe Work Australia notes that first aid needs may depend on workplace hazards, size and location, and that consultation with workers is important when conducting and reviewing the risk assessment.

2. Check that first aid kits are available and accessible

Every workplace must have access to at least one first aid kit. More kits may be needed where the workplace is spread out, where workers are mobile, or where higher-risk work is being performed.

First aid kits should be kept in locations that workers can see and access quickly. They should be close to higher-risk areas and available in work vehicles where workers travel as part of their job.

When checking your kits, confirm:

• each kit is clearly visible;
• kits are not locked away or blocked;
• signage is clear;
• workers know where the kits are located;
• kits are positioned close to higher-risk areas;
• vehicle kits are available where needed;
• kits are clean, intact and protected from dust, moisture and damage.

A kit that cannot be found quickly may not be useful in an emergency.

3. Check kit contents, expiry dates and condition

A workplace first aid kit should be checked regularly. The contents should be guided by the workplace risk assessment and should include equipment for providing basic first aid. Workplaces should also consider specific hazards. For example, burn treatments may be needed where hot surfaces, cooking equipment, welding, chemicals or fire risks are present.

During a kit check, review whether:

• sterile dressings are sealed and in date;
• bandages are clean and usable;
• disposable gloves are available and suitable;
• resuscitation barriers or CPR face shields are present;
• wound cleansing items are sealed and in date;
• burns products are included where burn risks exist;
• eye wash or eye care products are included where relevant;
• scissors, tweezers, safety pins and disposal bags are present where required;
• used, damaged, contaminated or expired items are replaced;
• the kit inventory matches the workplace’s current needs.

Do not wait until an incident to discover that key supplies are missing.

4. Check trained first aider coverage

First aiders may be workers or other trained people. First aiders should hold a nationally recognised statement of attainment from a registered training organisation and attend training regularly to keep their knowledge current.

As a general guide, Safe Work Australia recommends:

• one first aider for every 50 workers in low-risk workplaces;
• one first aider for every 25 workers in high-risk workplaces;
• one first aider for every 10 workers in remote high-risk workplaces.

Review whether:

• there are enough first aiders for the number of workers;
• first aiders are available across all shifts;
• first aider details are displayed clearly;
• workers know how to contact a first aider;
• first aiders’ training is current;
• additional training is needed for specific workplace risks.

Extra first aid training may be needed where work is remote or isolated, dangerous substances are present, specialist equipment or a first aid room is required, children are present, psychological risks have been identified, or workers have existing medical conditions that may need first aid.

5. Check first aid facilities and first aid room needs

Not every workplace needs a dedicated first aid room, but some do. The workplace risk assessment should help determine whether a first aid room is required.

Safe Work Australia recommends having a first aid room in:

• low-risk workplaces with 200 or more workers;
• high-risk workplaces with 100 or more workers.

Consider whether your workplace has:

• a clean and private area to provide first aid;
• easy access to water, hand hygiene and waste disposal;
• space for a person to sit or lie down if required;
• clear access for emergency services;
• suitable arrangements for higher-risk work areas.

6. Keep records and schedule regular reviews

A workplace first aid checklist should not be completed once and forgotten. First aid arrangements should be reviewed regularly, especially when work changes.

Review your first aid arrangements when:

• new hazards are introduced;
• staffing numbers change;
• work moves to a new site;
• incidents or near misses occur;
• kit items are repeatedly used;
• first aiders leave or training expires;
• workers raise concerns;
• vehicles, shifts or remote work arrangements change.

Keeping a simple record of each kit check can help you track missing items, expiry dates, restocking needs and follow-up actions.

Download a workplace first aid checklist

To make your next inspection easier, Enzo Medix has prepared a practical Workplace First Aid Checklist that can be printed and used during routine kit inspections.

Use it to check:

• workplace risk factors;
• first aid kit access and visibility;
• stock levels and expiry dates;
• first aider coverage;
• first aid facilities;
• restocking and action items.

Download the checklist: Workplace First Aid Checklist.

Need help restocking your workplace first aid kit?

Enzo Medix supplies workplace first aid kits, first aid kit refills and first aid training consumables for Australian workplaces, trainers, RTOs and support providers.

For Canberra and Queanbeyan workplaces, Enzo Medix can also assist with workplace first aid kit checks and restocking support.

Call: 1300 640 883
Email: sales@enzomedix.com.au

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This article is general information only and should be read alongside your workplace risk assessment and applicable WHS duties. For more information, refer to Safe Work Australia’s first aid guidance: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/managing-health-and-safety/first-aid