Is Your First Aid Program Legally Compliant and Risk-Ready?

When an emergency strikes at work, the first few minutes are critical. A legally compliant and well-prepared first aid program can mean the difference between a full recovery and long-term injury—or worse. Yet many workplaces overlook key elements required by law and best-practice standards.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about building a risk-ready and legally compliant first aid program, including advisory standards, required facilities, infection control, and why trained personnel are non-negotiable.

1. Understand the Legal and Advisory Standards

Every employer has a legal duty to provide adequate first aid facilities and trained responders. While requirements may vary by jurisdiction, most follow the framework set by national work health and safety (WHS) legislation and codes of practice.

Key Compliance Points:

• Conduct a first aid risk assessment based on workplace hazards, size, layout, and employee headcount.
• Meet minimum standards for first aid kits, signage, and access.
• Ensure first aiders are certified and re-trained periodically (typically every 3 years).
• Keep incident records for legal and review purposes.

2. First Aid Facilities: What You Must Provide

Your workplace must be equipped with fit-for-purpose facilities that match your risk level. Essentials include:

• Clearly marked first aid kits, easily accessible and fully stocked
• Dedicated first aid rooms (for high-risk or large worksites)
• Portable kits for remote workers or field staff
• Emergency contact numbers and signage are displayed prominently

Your first aid kits should align with relevant standards—containing items such as antiseptics, bandages, eye wash, disposable gloves, CPR masks, and cold packs.

3. Infection Control is Critical

Protecting both the injured person and the responder is vital. Infection control protocols must be built into your program.
Best Practices:

• Always wear disposable gloves before treatment
• Use face shields during resuscitation
• Dispose of contaminated items in biohazard bags
• Clean surfaces and hands with sanitiser or disinfectant

Provide all first aiders with infection control training and ensure they have the necessary PPE in their kits.

4. The Role of Trained Personnel

A first aid kit is useless without someone trained to use it. Appoint a sufficient number of trained first aid officers based on the size and risk profile of your team. These individuals must hold a current certification in:

• HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid (or local equivalent)
• CPR and AED usage
• Specific risk-related competencies (e.g., snake bite treatment in remote areas, burns management in kitchens)

Encourage regular refreshers and simulate emergency drills to keep them prepared.

5. Review, Monitor, and Update

A compliant program must be monitored and updated regularly:

• Review risk assessments annually
• Restock and inspect first aid kits monthly
• Keep training and certification records up to date
• Update emergency protocols and signage when staffing or layout changes

A first aid program isn’t just a compliance requirement—it’s a frontline defence that protects your people and your business. By aligning with advisory standards, providing proper facilities, enforcing infection control, and training key personnel, you ensure your workplace is not just compliant but truly risk-ready.