04/06/2025
***First Aid in the Workplace: It’s the Employer’s Responsibility to Decide What’s Needed***
First Aid in the Workplace: It’s the Employer’s Responsibility to Decide What’s Needed
When it comes to first aid in the workplace, there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
According to the First Aid in the Workplace Code of practice, it is the employer’s legal responsibility to determine the type and quantity of first aid equipment, supplies, and personnel required based on a workplace-specific risk assessment. In other words, the minimum requirement can be customised for each workplace.
This requirement applies to all industries—from construction and retail to education, hospitality, and community services. The assessment should consider:
The nature of work and tasks performed
* Known hazards and potential injuries
* Workplace size, layout, and staff numbers
* The location of the site and proximity to emergency medical services
* The needs of workers who work alone, off-site, or in remote areas
Take the childcare sector, for instance. Many workers childcare sector; providing supervisio and providing education, in some cases children are in care longer than they are at home and this maybe in home or in a centre environment.
These environments introduce variables such as medical conditions, childhood illnesses, behavioural and/or trauma incidents, and sometimes with limited access to emergency assistance. In such cases, it may be necessary to:
* Equip vehicles with mobile first aid kits
* Ensure all support staff are trained in
* HLTAID012 – Provide First Aid in an Education or Care Setting
* Develop clear protocols for mamaging medical conditions like Asthma & Anaphylaxis
* Provide additional training in condition-specific support (e.g., anaphylaxis, asthma and plans or seizure response)
* Relying on generic first aid kits or minimal training could result in inadequate responses during emergencies—placing staff, clients, and the organisation at risk.
A customised approach ensures that the workplace is genuinely prepared for the types of injuries or medical events that could occur.
After a tragic incident, the employers risk assessment is analysed and if best practice for that employer is not obtained, then there may be consequences for that incident, therfore its best to be on the right side of what’s required by law.
Our team provides first aid training and workplace assessments tailored to your organisation’s needs.
During an emergency is not the time to be preparing, you want to be prepared not scared and confident you've got this and are in control.
We can help you identify the right level of training and resources to meet both compliance requirements and the practical demands of your environment.
Reach out today to discuss how we can support your team in creating a safer, more prepared workplace on 0414 767 010 or rapid1staid@bigpond.com
