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First Aid Requirements

PCBU Duty​

PCBUs must ensure:

  • Provision of first aid equipment
  • Access to facilities for first aid
  • Access to trained first aiders (where reasonably practicable)

Requirements vary based on workplace risks, size, and location.

First Aid Kits​

What to Provide​

Minimum Requirements: First aid kit appropriate for:

  • Nature of work and hazards
  • Number of workers
  • Location of workplace

Construction Sites: Typically require comprehensive kits due to high-risk nature.

Kit Contents​

Basic Kit (Low-Risk, <25 Workers):

  • Adhesive dressings (band-aids) - various sizes
  • Sterile gauze pads
  • Bandages (triangular, roller)
  • Adhesive tape
  • Scissors, tweezers, safety pins
  • Disposable gloves
  • Resuscitation face shield
  • First aid guide

Comprehensive Kit (High-Risk or >25 Workers): Above items PLUS:

  • Larger wound dressings
  • Eye wash solution/pads
  • Burn dressings/gel
  • Instant cold packs
  • Splints
  • More quantities of basic items

Industry-Specific Items:

  • Construction: Extra dressings (cuts common), eye wash (dust/foreign bodies)
  • Chemical work: Specialized eye wash stations
  • Remote sites: Advanced supplies, emergency communication equipment

Kit Maintenance​

Regular Checks:

  • At least once every 12 months
  • Replace used/expired items
  • Restock after incidents
  • Keep contents clean and dry

Responsibility: Designated person responsible for maintenance.

Location:

  • Clearly labeled, readily accessible
  • Protected from weather and contamination
  • Multiple kits for large/dispersed sites

First aid signs

First Aiders​

When Required​

Recommended for:

  • All workplaces (reasonably practicable)
  • Essential for construction sites due to high risk

Number of First Aiders:

Low-Risk Workplaces:

  • One first aider for every 50 workers

High-Risk (Construction):

  • High risk workplaces—one first aider for every 25 workers
  • More for very high-risk or remote sites
  • Consider shift work (aider on each shift)

Training​

Nationally Recognized Training:

  • Provide First Aid (HLTAID011) - General first aid
  • Valid 3 years (some components require annual update)
  • Conducted by registered training organization (RTO)

Additional Training for Construction:

  • CPR (annual update recommended)
  • Management of fractures, severe bleeding, crush injuries
  • Remote/pre-hospital care (for remote sites)
  • Vaccinations: First aiders should be offered vaccinations (e.g., Hepatitis B) in line with the Australian Immunisation Handbook.

First Aider Responsibilities​

  • Provide first aid when incidents occur
  • Maintain first aid kits
  • Record first aid treatment provided
  • Report serious incidents
  • Encourage injured workers to seek medical attention

First Aid Facilities​

What's Required​

Depends on nature of work and risks.

Construction Sites Typically Need:

Minimum:

  • Clean area for treating injured persons
  • Seating
  • Access to water for cleaning wounds
  • Protection from weather

Larger Sites:

  • Dedicated first aid room
  • Bed/examination table
  • Hand washing facilities
  • Refrigerator (cold packs, eye wash)
  • Communication equipment

Emergency Eyewash/Showers​

Required When:

  • Risk of chemical splash to eyes/skin
  • Risk of exposure to corrosive substances

Construction Examples:

  • Concrete work (alkaline burns)
  • Chemical handling
  • Battery work

Requirements:

  • Deliver copious amounts of water
  • Located within 10 seconds travel of hazard
  • Clearly marked
  • Tested weekly

First Aid Records​

What to Record​

After providing first aid:

  • Date and time
  • Name of injured person
  • Nature of injury
  • Treatment provided
  • Name of first aider
  • Whether medical treatment recommended

Why Record​

  • Identifies injury trends
  • Informs risk assessment and control measures
  • Evidence for workers compensation
  • Regulatory compliance

Confidentiality​

  • Records are confidential health information
  • Store securely
  • Access limited to authorized persons

Emergency Medical Response​

When to Call 000​

Always for:

  • Unconsciousness
  • Chest pain, difficulty breathing
  • Severe bleeding
  • Suspected fractures (especially spine, skull, pelvis)
  • Severe burns
  • Electric shock
  • Suspected poisoning
  • Any life-threatening emergency

Provide:

  • Location (site address, nearest cross street)
  • Nature of emergency
  • Number of injured
  • Treatments being provided
  • Contact number
  • Access instructions (gate codes, site entry)

Site Access for Ambulances​

Ensure:

  • Clear access to site
  • Address clearly visible
  • Person designated to guide ambulance
  • Gate codes/keys available
  • Access not blocked by vehicles/materials

Serious Incidents - Regulatory Notification​

Notifiable to SafeWork NSW (13 10 50):

  • Death
  • Serious injury/illness requiring hospitalization
  • Dangerous incidents

See Emergency Planning for notification requirements.

Practical Construction Example​

Scenario: 40-worker construction site, 6-month project

First Aid Provisions​

First Aiders:

  • 2 workers trained (1 per 20 workers)
  • Certificates current, displayed in site office
  • Names and contact numbers on emergency signs

First Aid Kits:

  • Main kit in site office (comprehensive kit)
  • Vehicle-mounted kit in supervisor's ute
  • Portable kit in toolbox for remote work areas
  • All kits checked monthly

First Aid Facility:

  • Clean area in site office
  • Seating, table
  • Hand washing facilities
  • Emergency contact numbers displayed

Emergency Eyewash:

  • Portable eyewash bottles in areas using chemicals (concrete work)
  • Instructions for use displayed

Access:

  • Site address on prominent sign at entry
  • Gate access code provided to emergency services
  • Designated person to meet ambulance

Common First Aid Incidents​

Cuts and Lacerations:

  • Clean wound, apply dressing
  • Encourage tetanus check if deep
  • Record treatment

Eye Injuries (Dust/Foreign Body):

  • Rinse with eyewash
  • Do not rub eye
  • Seek medical attention if not relieved

Sprains and Strains:

  • RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
  • Recommend medical assessment

Serious Injuries:

  • Call 000 immediately
  • Provide first aid while waiting
  • Notify supervisor
  • Preserve incident scene
  • Complete incident report

Review​

  • First aid records reviewed monthly
  • Trends identified (e.g., frequent minor cuts - review tool safety)
  • First aid kits restocked after use
  • First aider training renewed before expiry