Workplace First Aid Kit Requirements in NSW: A Practical Guide for Employers

A workplace first aid kit is one of the simplest safety items a business can provide, but it is also one of the most important. Whether you run an office, warehouse, workshop, construction site, retail store or mobile team, your workers need quick access to suitable first aid equipment when an injury or illness occurs.

For businesses in Sydney and NSW, workplace first aid requirements are generally guided by WHS laws, SafeWork NSW and the Safe Work Australia Model Code of Practice for First Aid in the Workplace. This guide explains what employers should consider when choosing a workplace first aid kit, how many kits may be needed, where they should be placed, and what contents are commonly expected.

Do Australian workplaces need a first aid kit?

Yes. Safe Work Australia states that a person conducting a business or undertaking must provide access to at least one first aid kit, first aid facilities and trained first aid people. Workers must be able to access first aid equipment, facilities and trained first aiders whenever they are working, including night shifts, overtime and work outside the usual workplace.

SafeWork NSW also states that all workplaces must provide first aid equipment, facilities and, in some circumstances, trained first aiders.

In simple terms, every workplace should have a first aid arrangement that matches the work being done, the hazards present, the number of people on site and how quickly help can be accessed.

How do you choose the right workplace first aid kit?

There is no single workplace first aid kit that suits every business. A quiet office has different first aid needs to a fabrication workshop, construction site, childcare centre, warehouse or mobile trade vehicle.

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

When choosing a first aid kit for your workplace, consider:

• the type of work being carried out
• the risk level of the workplace
• the number of workers, contractors and visitors
• whether workers are spread across multiple areas or floors
• whether workers travel in vehicles
• whether there are burns, eye injury, chemical, machinery, electrical, outdoor or remote-work risks
• how quickly emergency services can reach the site

For example, an office may only require a general workplace kit suitable for low-risk injuries such as minor cuts, sprains and headaches. A warehouse, workshop or construction business may need a larger workplace first aid kit with additional wound dressings, eye care, burn treatment and trauma-related items.

How many workplace first aid kits do you need?

The minimum requirement is at least one first aid kit, but many workplaces need more than one. Safe Work Australia says workplaces should consider having more kits if the workplace is spread out, so that kits are easily accessible when needed. Kits should also be kept where there is a higher risk of injury or illness, and inside work vehicles if workers travel for their job.

The Safe Work Australia Code of Practice also gives practical placement examples. Where there are multiple buildings or multiple floors, it may be appropriate to locate first aid facilities centrally and provide first aid kits in each work area. For a multi-storey workplace, the Code says at least one kit should be located on every second floor.

A good rule of thumb is this: if a worker cannot access the kit quickly in an emergency, you probably need another kit or a better location.

Are there employee-count rules for workplace first aid kits?

For first aid kits, Australian guidance is mostly based on access, workplace layout and risk rather than a simple “one kit per X employees” rule.

However, there are recommended ratios for trained first aiders. SafeWork NSW lists the following ratios:

Safe Work Australia gives similar guidance, with one first aider for every 50 workers in low-risk workplaces, one for every 25 workers in high-risk workplaces, and one for every 10 workers in remote high-risk workplaces.

This means a workplace first aid kit should not be considered in isolation. Employers should also think about trained first aiders, first aid procedures, signage, emergency plans and how workers will access help.

What should be inside a workplace first aid kit?

The contents of a workplace first aid kit should be based on a risk assessment. The Safe Work Australia Code of Practice says a first aid kit should provide basic equipment for injuries such as cuts, scratches, punctures, grazes, splinters, sprains, strains, minor burns, major bleeding, broken bones, eye injuries and shock.

For most workplaces, the Code gives an example list of contents including:

• first aid instructions and CPR flow chart
• notebook and pen
• resuscitation face mask or face shield
• disposable nitrile gloves
• sterile gauze
• saline
• wound cleaning wipes
• adhesive dressing strips
• splinter probes
• tweezers or forceps
• antiseptic liquid or spray
• non-adherent wound dressings
• conforming bandages
• crepe bandage for serious bleeding and pressure application
• scissors
• hypoallergenic adhesive tape
• safety pins
• wound dressings
• combine pad
• clip-seal plastic bags
• triangular bandages
• emergency rescue blanket
• eye pads
• hydrogel or access to clean running water for burns
• instant ice pack

This is a general example only. A higher-risk workplace may need extra quantities or additional modules.

Extra first aid items for higher-risk workplaces

Some workplaces need more than a standard kit. The Code of Practice notes that extra equipment may be needed in remote workplaces, including items for serious burns, breathing difficulties or allergic reactions. It also gives examples of outdoor, remote and burn modules.

For outdoor work where there is a risk of insect stings, plant stings or snake bites, the Code suggests considering a heavy-duty 10 cm crepe bandage for snake bites and sting relief cream, gel or spray. For remote work, it suggests items such as a heavy-duty crepe bandage, large clean sheeting, thermal blanket, whistle and torch. For workplaces with burn risks, it suggests burn treatment instructions, hydrogel, hydrogel dressings, clean polythene sheets and a conforming bandage.

Examples of workplaces that may need additional first aid supplies include:

• construction sites
• manufacturing and fabrication businesses
• mechanical workshops
• warehouses and logistics sites
• kitchens and food production areas
• childcare and education sites
• outdoor maintenance teams
• mobile trades
• workplaces using chemicals or hot surfaces

Where should a workplace first aid kit be kept?

A workplace first aid kit should be easy to find and quick to access. Safe Work Australia says kits should be kept in a location all workers can see and access quickly, near areas with a higher risk of injury or illness, and inside work vehicles if workers travel for their job.

The Code of Practice also says first aid kits should be prominent, accessible and close to higher-risk areas. Emergency floor plans should include the location of first aid kits, and mobile workers should have portable first aid kits in their vehicles.

Good locations include:

• reception or office entry areas
• warehouse dispatch areas
• workshops
• kitchens
• site sheds
• staff rooms
• vehicles used as workplaces
• near machinery, chemical areas or higher-risk work zones

Avoid locking kits away where workers cannot access them quickly.

Should medication be kept in a workplace first aid kit?

Generally, no. The Safe Work Australia Code of Practice says medication, including analgesics such as paracetamol and aspirin, should not be included in first aid kits because they may cause adverse health effects in some people and may be controlled by drugs and poisons laws. Workers who need prescribed or over-the-counter medication should carry their own medication for personal use.

Some workplaces may consider asthma relievers, spacers or epinephrine auto-injectors for anaphylaxis, but these should be stored correctly and first aiders should receive appropriate training.

How often should workplace first aid kits be checked?

A workplace first aid kit should be checked regularly and restocked after items are used. The Code of Practice recommends nominating someone, usually a first aider, to maintain the kit, monitor usage, replace used items as soon as practicable, and carry out regular checks. If the kit is not used, it should still be checked at least once every 12 months. The inventory list should be signed and dated after each check, and items should be checked to ensure they are sealed, in date and in working order.

For busy workplaces, a more frequent schedule is often practical. Offices may check kits every six months, while workshops, construction sites, warehouses, childcare centres and vehicle fleets may benefit from more regular inspections.

Making workplace first aid easier

For many business owners, the challenge is not knowing that they need a workplace first aid kit. The challenge is knowing which kit to choose, what it should contain, where to place it and how to keep it stocked.

That is where a specialist supplier can make the process easier. Sydney First Aid Supplies offers pre-configured workplace first aid kits suited to different environments, including offices, vehicles, active workplaces and higher-risk sites. We also offer first aid kit restocking and servicing to keep your kits compliant. This helps remove the guesswork for busy employers who want a practical, ready-to-use kit that can be matched to their workplace risk.

The right first aid kit should be easy to access, clearly labelled, suitable for the work being done and checked regularly. It should also be supported by trained first aiders and clear workplace procedures.

Workplace first aid kit checklist for employers

Use this quick checklist to review your workplace:

• Do you have at least one workplace first aid kit?
• Can all workers access it quickly?
• Is it located near higher-risk work areas?
• Do work vehicles have portable first aid kits?
• Does the kit contain suitable contents for your workplace risks?
• Are expired, used or damaged items replaced?
• Is someone responsible for checking and maintaining the kit?
• Are first aiders trained and easy to identify?
• Are first aid kit locations included in inductions or emergency information?
• Has your first aid setup been reviewed after changes to staff, work activities or site layout?

Need help choosing a workplace first aid kit?

Sydney First Aid Supplies can help you choose a workplace first aid kit that suits your business, whether you operate an office, workshop, warehouse, trade vehicle, construction site or higher-risk work environment.

Browse our workplace first aid kit range or contact us for help selecting the right kit for your site.