Do You Really Need a First Aid Kit at Work?
If you run a workplace in Australia, you’ve probably asked yourself: “Do I legally need a first aid kit?”
Short answer: yes. Under WHS regulations, nearly every business is required to have one. But here’s where most employers go wrong—just having a kit isn’t enough.
Let’s unpack what the law really expects—and how to avoid a nasty fine or worse, a preventable injury.
What the WHS Code Actually Says
According to SafeWork Australia and your state regulator (like SafeWork NSW), employers must:
- Provide adequate first aid equipment for your specific risks
- Ensure it’s easy to access at all times
- Train staff or ensure someone is available to give first aid
But here’s the kicker: the law doesn’t give you a shopping list. It’s up to you to assess your risks and choose a kit that fits.
That’s where many teams fall short. A kit full of bandaids and expired saline isn’t going to help when real injuries happen.
The Problem We See Every Day
At Assurance First Aid Kits, we’ve worked with hundreds of businesses across Dubbo and regional NSW. We see the same problems over and over:
- Kits with missing or expired gear
- Wrong kit for the type of work or environment
- Staff unsure how to use what’s inside
One client thought they were covered—until an incident happened, and their kit didn’t have the right dressing for a bleeding injury. That kind of mistake can lead to fines, or worse, legal exposure.
Use the Checklist to Audit Your Kit
Whether you’re a solo tradie or managing a full worksite, your kit should match your risks. Use our free checklist to audit your gear now:
Download the First Aid Kit Restock Checklist
What to Include in a First Aid Kit (Australia)
Here’s what most Aussie workplaces should include as a minimum:
- Adhesive bandages
- Sterile gauze + dressings
- Antiseptic wipes
- Burn treatments
- CPR face shield
- Instant cold packs
- Snake bite bandage (rural/regional especially)
- Eye wash solution
- First aid guide
Need a visual aid? We offer a free printable First Aid & AED sign to help you stay compliant.
Not Sure What Kit to Buy?
We’ve got a full range of compliant first aid kits built for Aussie businesses—small offices, high-risk trades, schools, and more.
All our kits come with:
- TGA-approved contents
- Restock checklist included
- Optional CPR and compliance training add-ons
We also help you book CPR training for businesses and run compliance refreshers. You can even use the live chat on our site to speak with me—Samantha—directly.
Real Review
Warren Farmer: “Good functional & practical kit which with a couple of minor inclusions such as a tick remover makes an excellent kit for its intended function. It is better than I expected which is a real plus! A little slow in delivery but that could be due to a couple of factors that I cannot be sure of.”
Need Help Choosing?
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- Tradies? Grab a rugged, compact kit built for utes or toolboxes
- Office or admin? Use a soft-pack kit that fits in a drawer
- Sports or schools? Include trauma items like wraps and ice packs
- Remote teams? Add snake bite kits and thermal blankets
Next Steps
Compliance doesn’t have to be complicated. And it definitely doesn’t have to be expensive.
Get the right kit, stay protected, and feel confident knowing your team is ready for anything.
Author Bio
Written by Samantha, Director of Assurance First Aid Kits
EMT, Trainer & Assessor. With over 20 years in first aid compliance training across Dubbo and regional NSW, Samantha helps businesses stay safe and compliant.
