How do I know which first aid kit is actually suitable for my specific workplace?
Short Answer: When choosing a first aid kit for your workplace, the kit you choose depends on the specific work environment and the risks workers might face. The needs of an office are vastly different from those of a construction site. You will also need to factor in considerations such as the number of employees, the location's remoteness, and the need to comply with workplace safety guidelines.
You’ll know you’ve found the right workplace first aid kit when it covers both everyday injuries and more serious medical emergencies. When you’re looking to choose the right first aid kit for your workplace in Australia, you also need to look into:
● How does workplace risk classification affect my kit choice?
● What does Safe Work Australia recommend for businesses like mine?
● Which supplies are mandatory versus optional?
● Should I choose a standard or a specialised industry kit?
How does workplace risk classification affect my kit choice?
A workplace risk classification is a systematic process that identifies potential hazards, evaluates risks, and implements control measures to prevent injuries and illnesses in the workplace. The workplace risk classification directly influences your first aid kit choice.
In low-risk workplaces like offices, libraries, and retail outlets, standard first aid kits with bandages, dressings, and antiseptics are more than enough. On the other hand, high-risk work environments, such as factories, construction sites, and worksites, can require advanced, more specialised first aid kits.
If the workplace is of a specialised nature, specific industry-related supplies may be needed. For example, if your factory deals with a lot of chemicals, the first aid kits must contain supplies to treat chemical burns and other chemical-related injuries.
The number of employees can also influence the number of kits. The more employees you have, the more first aid kits you need. At the same time, workplaces need to ensure that the first aid kits are placed in areas that are known to all and easily accessible.
What does Safe Work Australia recommend for businesses like mine?
Safe Work Australia is a national policy body responsible for developing workplace health and safety standards across Australia.
According to Safe Work Australia, a workplace must provide access to:
● At least one first-aid kit
● First aid facilities and
● Access to trained first aiders
However, this is merely a base requirement, and the first aid needs of a business are determined by a first aid risk assessment.
When it comes to first aid kits, Safe Work Australia advises you to have at least one. But they recommend you have more if the workplace is spread out. The first aid kits should be placed in locations where all the workers can see and easily access them, and in places where the risk of injury is high. They also recommend you have first aid kits inside work vehicles if workers travel for their jobs.
Safe Work Australia also requires workplaces to have trained first aiders. These first aiders can be your own workers or trained professionals not connected to the business. The first aiders in question must hold a nationally recognised certification awarded by a registered training organisation. They must also regularly attend training sessions to update their knowledge.
SWA calls for first aiders to have extra training where the workplace is remote or isolated, risks involve dangerous substances such as cyanide or arsenic, children are in the workplace, and workers have pre-existing medical conditions that may need first aid.
The workforce must easily identify first aiders. That’s why SWA recommends that they wear high-visibility vests and display a contact number around the workplace for first aid assistance.
SWA requires there be one first aider for every 50 workers in a low-risk workplace, for every 25 workers in high-risk workplaces, and for every 10 workers in remote, high-risk workplaces.
The need to have a first aid room will be determined by the workplace risk assessment. SWA recommends a first aid room in low-risk workplaces with 200 or more workers and in high-risk workplaces with 100 or more workers.
Which supplies are mandatory versus optional?
Before we make a list, it is worth pointing out that the distinction between mandatory and optional supplies will depend on the workplace and its first aid needs.
In general, these first aid supplies are typically considered mandatory:
● Sterile plaster and bandages
● Sterile wound dressings
● Sterile eye pads/eye wash
● Triangular bandages
● Safety pins
● Disposable gloves
● Cleansing wipes
● Adhesive tape
On the other hand, here are supplies that can be considered optional extras:
● CPR barrier device/mask
● Scissors/tweezers
● Instant cold packs
● Burn dressings and hydrogel
● Over-the-counter medication
● Tourniquets and chest seals
Should I choose a standard kit or a specialised industry kit?
At the end of the day, the choice between a standard first aid kit and a specialised first aid kit depends on the risk assessment of your environment. If it's a low-risk work environment like an office, a standard first aid kit will be good enough. Depending on the size of the office and the number of employees, you may need more than one first aid kit.
However, if your workplace is high-risk, located in a remote area, or involves dealing with specialised substances such as metal and chemicals, then a specialised first aid kit is a must. That is because workers in high-risk work environments are likely to suffer more serious injuries than what a standard kit is designed to handle. At the same time, a specialised kit will have the right supplies to deal with industry-specific injuries.
Related Questions
Q: How often should workplace first aid kits be checked?
Your workplace first aid kits need to be checked on a regular basis, especially if the supplies are frequently used. Ideally, you should check the kit every month or after each use. It will allow you to identify missing, damaged, and expired items.
Q: Should I choose portable or fixed first aid kits?
Both types of kits can be useful. Fixed first aid kits are perfect for central locations. Portable kits are great for vehicles and mobile workers. Ideally, a workplace should have a system with a mix of portable and stationery first aid kits.
Choosing the right first aid kit for your workplace isn’t just about ticking the boxes off a list. It’s about identifying the risks and making sure that the kit has enough supplies to protect your workers. When making the choice, you also need to consider the work environment, number of employees, risk level, and compliance needs.
If you’re looking for reliable, workplace-ready solutions, SURVIVAL is the shop for you. We’ve been keeping Australians from all walks of life safe since 1988, and we are confident that our workplace first aid kits will help you stay compliant and prepared. Explore SURVIVAL and equip your team with the confidence and protection they deserve.