A well-equipped workplace first aid kit isn’t just a compliance tick-box, it’s your first line of defence when the unexpected happens. From paper cuts to chemical splashes, having the right supplies available can make a crucial difference in providing immediate assistance and minimising the impact of injuries.
Under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations and Safe Work Australia’s Code of Practice – First Aid in the Workplace, every employer must ensure first aid equipment is:
- Accessible and appropriately stocked,
- Regularly maintained and inspected,
- And suited to the risks specific to their workplace.
This guide outlines exactly what should be in a compliant workplace first aid kit, referencing Australian Standards (AS 2675-1983) and practical inclusions recommended by the Super Spill & Safety Solutions service team, who inspect and replenish thousands of kits across Australia each year.
🧭 Before You Stock Up: Understanding Risk and Compliance
Not every workplace faces the same hazards. A bustling warehouse, a quiet office, and a chemical lab all have very different risk profiles — and therefore, different first aid requirements.
Conduct a Workplace Risk Assessment
Your first step is to determine:
- The type of work being performed,
- The number of employees,
- The layout or spread of the site,
- And the proximity to emergency services.
From there, you can select the correct kit type — low-risk, medium-risk, or high-risk — each stocked to address the kinds of injuries most likely to occur.
💡 Pro Tip: Super Spill & Safety Solutions offers on-site First Aid Kit Servicing and Replenishment to keep your kits compliant with WHS and Australian Standards year-round.
🧰 Essential Contents of a Workplace First Aid Kit
Below is a detailed breakdown of the core components every compliant first aid kit should include, along with recommended products available through Super Spill & Safety Solutions.
1. Adhesive Bandages & Sterile Dressings
Small cuts and abrasions are among the most common workplace injuries.
Include:
- Assorted adhesive bandages (various shapes and sizes),
- Sterile gauze pads,
- Non-adherent dressings,
- Hypoallergenic adhesive tape.
These protect wounds from infection and support healing.
🩹 Shop now: Adhesive Bandages & Dressings
| Item | Purpose | Quantity (Recommended) |
|---|---|---|
| Adhesive strips (assorted) | Minor cuts and blisters | 50+ |
| Sterile gauze pads (7.5cm x 7.5cm) | Larger wounds | 10 |
| Adhesive tape roll | Securing dressings | 1 |
| Combine dressing (10cm x 20cm) | Bleeding control | 3 |
2. Antiseptic Wipes & Cleansing Agents
Cleaning wounds before dressing is critical to prevent infection.
Include:
- Antiseptic wipes or chlorhexidine solution,
- Saline ampoules or eye/skin wash,
- Alcohol-based hand sanitiser for hygiene before and after treatment.
🧴 Shop now: Antiseptics & Cleansing Solutions
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Antiseptic wipes | Clean wounds pre-dressing |
| Saline ampoules (15ml) | Flush wounds or eyes |
| Hand sanitiser (60%+ alcohol) | Maintain hygiene |
3. Disposable Gloves
Barrier protection is a must for infection control.
Include nitrile or latex-free disposable gloves, ensuring the kit has multiple pairs in different sizes.
🧤 Shop now: Nitrile Disposable Gloves
| Item | Purpose | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrile disposable gloves | Infection prevention | 2+ pairs |
| Vinyl gloves (optional backup) | Allergy-safe option | 1 pair |
4. Scissors, Tweezers & Splinter Tools
These tools assist in cutting dressings, removing splinters, or accessing clothing during emergencies.
Include:
- Stainless steel scissors with blunt ends,
- Precision tweezers,
- Splinter probes (sterile, single use).
🔧 Shop now: First Aid Tools & Accessories
| Tool | Use |
|---|---|
| Scissors (blunt ends) | Cut tape/dressings safely |
| Tweezers | Remove debris/splinters |
| Splinter probes | Remove minor embedded objects |
5. Pain Relief & Over-the-Counter Medications
Include basic analgesics (paracetamol, ibuprofen) for minor pain relief.
While optional, many workplaces choose to stock these for convenience — but ensure:
- Packaging remains sealed,
- Expiry dates are tracked,
- And employees are aware of proper use and allergy risks.
💊 Tip: Keep a small Pain Relief Module in a labelled section for quick access.
6. Instant Cold Packs
These are essential for treating strains, sprains, bruises, or burns.
They provide immediate cold therapy without the need for refrigeration.
❄️ Shop now: Instant Cold Packs
| Item | Use | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Instant cold pack (single use) | Reduce swelling & pain | 1–2 packs per kit |
7. Burn Treatments
For workplaces with heat exposure (kitchens, workshops, warehouses), include burn gel sachets, burn dressings, and sterile pads.
🔥 Shop now: Burn First Aid Supplies
| Item | Use |
|---|---|
| Burn gel sachets | Immediate burn relief |
| Burn dressing (10cm x 10cm) | Cool and protect burn area |
| Non-stick pad | Prevent wound adhesion |
8. Eye Wash & Eye Pads
For sites handling chemicals or airborne debris, eye irrigation is vital.
Include:
- Saline eye wash bottles or ampoules,
- Eye pads and eye shields.
👁️ Shop now: Eye Wash & Stations
| Item | Use | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Saline bottles (500ml) | Flush contaminants | AS 4775 |
| Eye pads (sterile) | Protect after rinsing | WHS compliant |
9. CPR Face Shield & Resuscitation Device
Every comprehensive first aid kit should contain CPR protection tools.
These allow trained staff to safely perform resuscitation during a cardiac emergency while avoiding cross-contamination.
🫀 Shop now: Defibrillators & CPR Equipment
| Item | Use |
|---|---|
| CPR face shield (with one-way valve) | Safe rescue breathing |
| Pocket mask or resuscitation mask | Enhanced protection |
For high-risk environments, consider pairing with a ZOLL AED for immediate cardiac response.
10. Emergency Contact List
Every kit should include a clearly visible emergency information sheet, listing:
- 000 (Emergency Services),
- Local hospital or medical centre,
- On-site first aid officers,
- Company emergency procedures.
Keep it laminated and updated during each inspection.
11. First Aid Instruction Booklet
A comprehensive first aid manual ensures anyone can confidently use the contents during an emergency, even if they aren’t formally trained.
It should cover:
- Wound management,
- CPR and recovery positions,
- Burn care,
- Shock response,
- Eye injury treatment.
🩺 Specialised Workplace Modules
Certain workplaces require additional modules to meet WHS requirements. Here’s a guide:
| Workplace Type | Additional Module Needed | Contents |
|---|---|---|
| Food handling / Hospitality | Burns & Blue Plaster Module | Burn gel, blue bandages, waterproof plasters |
| Laboratories / Chemical handling | Eye Wash & Chemical Spill Module | Saline, neutraliser, PPE |
| Construction / Industrial | Outdoor or Remote Module | Snake bite bandages, instant ice, trauma dressings |
| Transport / Fleet vehicles | Portable First Aid Kit | Compact bandages, wipes, gloves, emergency contacts |
🧳 Shop now: Modular & Vehicle First Aid Kits
🔍 Regular Inspections & Replenishment
A first aid kit is only as good as its contents.
Regular inspection ensures compliance, readiness, and hygiene.
Inspection Checklist
| Task | Frequency | Responsible |
|---|---|---|
| Check expiry dates | Every 6 months | First aid officer / service provider |
| Replace used or damaged items | After every incident | Designated staff |
| Clean case / cabinet | Every service | Maintenance staff |
| Review contents vs. workplace risk | Annually | Safety manager |
| Confirm signage & visibility | Ongoing | Supervisor |
📅 Book Servicing: First Aid Kit Inspection & Refill Service
⚖️ Australian Standards & WHS Requirements
To remain compliant, your first aid kits must meet:
- AS 2675-1983: Selection, Use, and Maintenance of First Aid Kits.
- Safe Work Australia Code of Practice (2020): First Aid in the Workplace.
- Work Health and Safety Regulation 42: Requirement for first aid equipment, facilities, and trained personnel.
💚 At Super Spill & Safety Solutions, we ensure every serviced kit meets or exceeds these Australian Standards, providing detailed compliance reports for your WHS audits.
🧩 Where to Store Your Workplace First Aid Kit
Proper placement is just as important as proper stocking.
Best Practice Storage Tips:
- Mount kits at eye level and clearly label with the green and white first aid sign (AS 1319).
- Place near common areas, not locked offices.
- Avoid exposure to sunlight, heat, or moisture.
- Ensure one kit per floor or work zone, depending on site size.
🏷️ Explore: Wall-Mounted First Aid Kits
🦸 The Super Spill & Safety Difference
When it comes to first aid, compliance and care go hand in hand.
Our Safety Superheroes team provides:
- Nationwide on-site first aid kit servicing,
- Detailed compliance reporting,
- Automatic replenishment of expired or used stock,
- Custom solutions for offices, warehouses, schools, and worksites.
💚 We take the hassle out of safety so you can focus on your business.
✅ Quick Reference: Workplace First Aid Kit Essentials
| Category | Example Items | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Dressings & Bandages | Adhesive strips, gauze, tape | Wound coverage |
| Cleansing | Antiseptic wipes, saline | Infection prevention |
| PPE | Gloves, masks | Hygiene protection |
| Tools | Scissors, tweezers | Cutting / removal |
| Pain Relief | Paracetamol, ibuprofen | Minor pain management |
| Burns | Burn gel, non-stick pads | Cool & treat burns |
| Eye Care | Eye wash, pads | Rinse & protect eyes |
| CPR | Face shield, pocket mask | Safe resuscitation |
| Cold Therapy | Instant ice packs | Reduce swelling |
| Documentation | First aid booklet, emergency contacts | Guidance & response info |
🩹 Final Thoughts: Make Safety Second Nature
A well-stocked workplace first aid kit is more than a compliance requirement — it’s a statement that your business values safety, care, and preparedness.
By including the essential items outlined above, conducting regular inspections, and partnering with professionals like Super Spill & Safety Solutions, you can rest assured that your workplace is ready for anything — from minor scrapes to major incidents.
After all, when emergencies strike, it’s not about luck — it’s about preparation.
🦸 Super Spill & Safety Solutions – Your Safety Superheroes
Protecting people, workplaces, and the environment since 2012.
