First Aid & Safety Kits

First aid & safety kits

Safe Work Australia's First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice requires every workplace to have first aid provisions matched to the workforce size, risk level, and remoteness. The correct kit is a function of workforce head-count and hazard profile — a low-risk office and a high-risk construction site have very different requirements.

Kit selection by workplace type

• Vehicle / mobile workforce — compact kit for utes, trucks, vans, and field teams. Covers minor wounds, burns, eye wash, and basic dressings. Typical single-use trauma dressing included.
• Low-risk workplace (office, retail, light commercial) — BSI/medium kit with supplies for 1–25 workers. Primarily adhesive dressings, wound cleaning, and CPR face shield.
• Medium-risk (warehouse, light industrial) — expanded kit for 25–100 workers. Larger trauma dressings, burn gel, eye wash, more extensive dressings.
• High-risk (construction, manufacturing, mining) — heavy-duty kit with trauma pads, burn sheets, shock blankets, tourniquet, and expanded PPE for the first aider.
• Remote workplace (>1 hour from medical care) — expanded kit with additional wound-care supplies, resuscitation mask, and specialised remote-first-aid items.

Mandatory components

The Code of Practice specifies minimum contents by kit type, but universal items include: sterile wound dressings (varied sizes), adhesive plasters, triangular bandages, safety pins, antiseptic wipes, eye wash, CPR face shield, disposable gloves, scissors, and tweezers. Specific quantities scale with workforce size.

Compliance checking

Every kit should carry a date-stamped contents list. Inspect monthly and immediately after any use. Replace expired or used items — adhesive dressings lose adhesion over time; eye wash and burn gel have strict shelf lives. Keep a log of inspections and restocks.

Location and accessibility

Kits must be readily accessible within 2–3 minutes of any worker, clearly signed, and not locked behind restricted doors. For multi-level sites, one kit per level. For large construction sites, one kit per work zone.

Defibrillators (AEDs)

Not mandatory in most workplaces, but highly recommended for high-risk or remote locations. AED placement should be signed, accessible within 3 minutes from any worker, and included in the workplace first aid plan.

Standards & compliance

First aid kits in this range align with the Safe Work Australia First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice and state-based WHS requirements. Specific industry codes (mining, construction) may add requirements — check with your principal contractor.

Frequently asked questions

How many kits does my workplace need?

One kit per 50 low-risk workers, or one per 25 high-risk workers. Also one per vehicle, one per remote work site, and one per level of multi-level buildings. Use the Code of Practice as the minimum; most employers stock above that.

Do I need a first aider on site?

Under the Code of Practice, low-risk workplaces need one qualified first aider per 50 workers; high-risk sites need one per 25. Qualifications are typically Provide First Aid (HLTAID011) — check state requirements.

How often should kits be audited?

Monthly visual check, annual full audit against the contents list. After any use, the kit must be restocked before being returned to service.

Do you offer trade or bulk pricing?

Yes — trade accounts get 5% off RRP, and workforce-wide kit programs (multiple sites, vehicle fleets) qualify for additional discounts. Refill packs for used kits are also stocked. Apply for a trade account →