Preparation and learning
Who can help with a workplace first aid concern?
Where to raise concerns about missing supplies, inaccessible kits or a lack of first-aid coverage.
For workplace first aid compliance, contact the work health and safety regulator for your jurisdiction. Safe Work Australia publishes national policy and guidance; it does not investigate individual workplaces.
Deal with the immediate need
If someone needs emergency help, call 000 and provide first aid within your ability. Reporting an equipment or staffing problem comes after the immediate response.
Describe the problem clearly
- What is missing or inaccessible: for example, an empty dressing compartment or a locked kit.
- Where and when the problem occurs, including night shifts or off-site work.
- Who you have told and what response you received.
- What would help resolve it, such as restocking, clearer signs or an identified first aider for the shift.
Raise it at work, then find the right regulator
Tell the person responsible for workplace safety, your supervisor or your health and safety representative. Keep a factual record of the concern and response.
For regulatory advice or an unresolved safety concern, use Safe Work Australia’s directory to find the relevant state, territory or Commonwealth regulator. Its entry links to the authority that can explain the local process.
The Fair Work Ombudsman deals with workplace relations matters such as pay and employment entitlements. It is not the usual authority for investigating the adequacy of first-aid equipment or coverage.
What a first-aid plan needs to consider
Safe Work Australia’s guidance covers access to equipment, facilities and trained first aiders, including outside normal working hours. The appropriate provision depends on the hazards, people, location and layout of the workplace.
A generic kit list cannot establish compliance for every workplace. The regulator’s guidance and a workplace risk assessment are the appropriate starting points.