Most workplaces have a first aid kit somewhere. But being prepared for an emergency involves more than having a green box on the wall.
If someone was seriously injured or suddenly became unwell at work tomorrow, would your team know what to do — and would the right equipment be ready when they needed it?
A regular review of your workplace first aid arrangements can help identify gaps before an emergency happens.
First aid kits need regular checking. Supplies can be used without being replaced, packaging can become damaged and some items have expiry dates.
Check that your workplace has appropriate first aid kits for its size, location and risks, that staff can easily access them, and that there is a process for regular inspection and restocking.
Need help keeping your kits ready? St John Tasmania offers workplace first aid kit restocking and servicing. Kit Restocking
The number of first aiders your workplace needs depends on factors including the number of workers, the type of work being undertaken and access to emergency services.
It is also worth considering leave, different shifts and multiple locations. Having trained first aiders on paper isn't much help if none are present when an emergency occurs.
First aid qualifications also need to be kept current.
St John Tasmania offers public and private group first aid training for Tasmanian workplaces.
Sudden cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, including at work. An automated external defibrillator (AED) can be used by members of the public and provides step-by-step instructions to guide the responder.
If your workplace has an AED, check that staff know where it is, it can be accessed quickly, and its pads and battery are within their replacement dates.
If you don't have one, consider whether an AED should form part of your workplace emergency preparedness.
Equipment is only useful if people can find it.
Staff should know how to raise the alarm, where first aid equipment and AEDs are located, who the workplace first aiders are and how to contact emergency services.
New staff should also receive this information as part of their induction.
Workplaces change. Staff numbers increase, equipment moves, new hazards are introduced and the way people use a site can change.
Your first aid arrangements should be reviewed regularly and when there are significant changes to your workplace or its risks.
St John Tasmania can help businesses assess their first aid needs and put practical arrangements in place.
From workplace first aid assessments and training to first aid kits, restocking and AEDs, we can help you identify what your workplace needs and keep it ready for an emergency.
