When it comes to workplace first aid, your customers are relying on more than just a stocked shelf. They’re relying on your knowledge. Understanding the basics of first aid compliance can make all the difference in helping them choose the right kit and staying legally covered.
Why first aid compliance matters
Unlike households or personal use, workplace first aid is governed by legal obligations. Every workplace in Australia is required to provide adequate first aid based on three key factors:
- The number of workers
- The type of work being done (risk level)
- The nature of the workplace (e.g. fixed site vs mobile/vehicle)
Failing to comply not only puts workers at risk, it can result in serious legal consequences for businesses. That’s why your advice as a stockist matters.
Want a quick run-through? We've got a helpful video with Gareth explaining exactly how to match the right first aid kit to workplace needs.
Prefer to read instead? Keep scrolling for a full breakdown below.
Step 1: Identify where first aid is needed
Start by identifying where the first aid provision will be used. FastAid's First Aid Compliance Flowchart breaks this into five main categories:
- Home
- Personal use
- Recreation
- Workplace
- Vehicle
While home, recreation and personal use kits aren’t regulated, vehicle and workplace environments are and that’s where compliance comes into play.
Vehicle kits. Yes, they must be compliant too!
Under the WHS Code of Practice, any work vehicle is considered a workplace. That means it needs to carry a compliant first aid kit.
Our R1 Series vehicle kits are designed to meet this need, with contents suited to mobile workers and coverage for up to 10 people per vehicle.
Note: Vehicle kits only cover the vehicle, not the worksite. A separate workplace kit is still required.
Workplace kits. Matching the right kit to risk level
To determine what kit a workplace needs, assess two things:
- Number of workers
- Risk level (low or high)
Low-risk workplaces include settings like:
- Offices
- Retail stores
- Warehouses with minimal hazards
High-risk workplaces include:
- Construction sites
- Factories and workshops
- Sites dealing with hazardous materials, tools or machinery
Once you’ve established the risk level, you can match the business with the appropriate compliant kit.
✔ For low-risk workplaces:
✔ For high-risk workplaces:
- Easy-Refill™ kits (plus add-on modules for burns, eye injuries or outdoor risks)
- R2, R3 or R4 Series kits (with modules built in)
Each risk module is clearly marked on our chart with a green tick, so it’s easy to identify what’s included in each kit.
Easy-Refill™ – a smart system for staying compliant
Easy-Refill™ is ideal for both low and high-risk environments. It’s designed to:
- Help businesses audit and refill in under 3 minutes
- Use a colour-coded layout for faster emergency response
- Enable 24/7 refills via a dedicated web app
- Support stockists with ongoing refill sales
It’s a stress-free way for your customers to stay compliant and a great value-add for your sales offering.
Compliance checklist: Key requirements to know
Beyond having the right first aid kit, customers need to be aware of these minimum workplace requirements:
Kit placement
- 1 kit per second level in multi-storey workplaces
- 1 kit per separate building
- Kits must be within 1 minute walking distance of all workers
- Every workplace is encouraged to have one onsite
- Required if:
- 200+ workers in low-risk setting
- 100+ workers in high-risk setting
Trained first aiders
- Low-risk: 1 per 50 workers
- High-risk: 1 per 25 workers
- Remote: 1 per 10 workers
Special stations (if risks exist)
- Eyewash
- Burns
- Sharps & biohazard
- Clear, visible signage throughout the site
Helping your customers get it right
Understanding these basics empowers you to support your customers with confidence. You’ll not only help them meet their legal obligations, you’ll help them keep their teams safe while opening up upsell and cross-sell opportunities through risk modules, defibs, signage and more.
Download the First Aid Compliance Flowchart
Use it in-store or share it with customers to help them quickly identify the right solution.
Need support? Our team is here to help!