Workplace First Aid Kit Requirements in Australia: A Complete Compliance Guide

If you’re responsible for workplace safety, a first aid kit is not just a box on the wall, it’s a compliance item that needs to match your workplace risks, headcount, and work environment. In Australia, workplace first aid requirements are generally shaped by Safe Work Australia guidance and then enforced through your state or territory WHS regulator. That means there isn’t a single “one size fits all” kit for every business, but there are clear expectations around having the right supplies available, keeping them accessible, and maintaining them properly.

This guide explains what Australian workplaces should consider when setting up first aid kits, how requirements differ between low-risk and high-risk settings, and what “TGA first aid kit” claims typically mean in practice. We’ll also run through maintenance and restocking so your kit stays compliant and ready to use.

At the end, you’ll find a link to our First Aid Kits Australia Guide and options to shop workplace kits that suit real business environments.

Key Takeaways

• Workplace first aid kit needs should be risk-based (hazards, workforce size, layout, and how remote you are from medical help).
  
• Low-risk sites often need fewer specialised items, while high-risk sites typically need additional trauma, burns, and eye-wash support.
  
• “TGA first aid kit” usually refers to how the kit is supplied and listed, not whether you personally need a licence. The key is ensuring you’re buying from a reputable supplier and the product claims are clear and verifiable.
  
• Kits should be accessible, clearly labelled, and located where incidents are likely to occur (not hidden in an office drawer).
  
• Maintenance matters: assign an owner, run routine checks, replace used/expired items, and keep restocking simple.
  
  

Summary Table 

Australian workplace first aid regulations - Safe Work Australia

In Australia, workplace first aid is based on a risk-management approach. Safe Work Australia’s Model Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace sets out practical guidance on how a business should provide first aid, including first aid kits, first aid procedures, facilities and first aider training. 

The key compliance idea is this: your workplace first aid kit should be selected and sized to match your hazards, number of workers, workplace layout, and how quickly medical help can be accessed. So an office, a warehouse, and a construction site may all have very different “right” solutions, even with similar staff numbers. 

It’s also important to note that Safe Work Australia provides model guidance, while state and territory WHS regulators enforce workplace safety obligations. If you’re unsure what applies to your business, the Code itself recommends contacting your state/territory WHS authority. 

From a practical “what do I need to do?” perspective, most workplaces should be able to show they have:

• suitable first aid kit(s) available and accessible for workers
  
• a simple first aid procedure (including how to get help and where kits are located)
  
• appropriate first aid training arrangements (based on risk)
  
• a routine process for checking and restocking supplies

TGA registration explained. What “TGA first aid kit” usually means

When people search “TGA first aid kit”, they’re usually trying to confirm whether the kit they’re buying is supplied in line with Australian medical device rules. In Australia, the TGA regulates many first aid kits because they contain medical devices and are treated as a type of system or procedure pack. The TGA specifically notes that it regulates first aid kits and that they generally need to be included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). 

What “TGA/ARTG” means for businesses buying workplace kits

Most workplaces don’t need to do anything special other than buy from a reputable supplier and make sure the product claims are clear. The compliance obligations sit with the manufacturer/sponsor supplying the kit, but as a buyer, it’s still smart to choose kits that are supplied properly and are fit for purpose. 

Quick buyer checklist 

When you’re selecting a workplace kit, look for:

• Clear product details that describe the kit as a workplace first aid kit (not a generic bundle)
  
• Transparent compliance language (avoid vague claims like “TGA approved” without context)
  
• Evidence the kit is supplied in line with TGA rules for first aid kits / system or procedure packs (ARTG inclusion is commonly referenced)
  
• Contents that actually match your workplace risk profile (office vs warehouse vs construction)
  

Why this matters

Workplace first aid is about readiness. A compliant, fit-for-purpose kit helps ensure the right items are available when needed, and it reduces the risk of missing essentials during a real incident.

Low-risk vs high-risk workplace requirements. What changes in practice

There’s no single national “minimum contents list” that fits every workplace, because first aid requirements are based on risk. The simplest way to think about it is this: the more likely you are to see serious injury, bleeding, burns, eye trauma, crush incidents, or delayed access to emergency care, the more robust your first aid setup needs to be. Safe Work Australia’s guidance focuses on tailoring first aid kits, training and facilities to your workplace hazards and workforce needs.

Low-risk workplaces (typical examples)

Examples: offices, admin, retail (non-industrial), classrooms.

What kits usually prioritise:

• wound care basics (dressings, bandages, antiseptic wipes)
  
• minor burns support
  
• basic PPE (gloves, masks)
  
• simple resuscitation barrier device
  
• clear instructions and an easy restock process
  
  

What often matters most: accessibility (where the kit is located), staff awareness, and routine checks.

Higher-risk workplaces (typical examples)

Examples: construction, manufacturing, warehousing, workshops, mining, agriculture, hospitality kitchens.

What changes:

• higher volumes of dressings and bandages due to higher injury likelihood
  
• stronger emphasis on bleeding control and trauma support
  
• greater burns coverage (especially in hot works or kitchens)
  
• eye injury and irrigation support where particulates, chemicals, or grinding occurs
  
• multiple kits across zones due to larger sites and higher hazard areas
  
• consideration of first aid rooms and additional equipment in larger/high-risk workplaces
  
  

Remote work and mobile teams (a common “hidden” high-risk category)

Even if the work itself is low-risk, distance from medical help makes the situation higher-risk. Vehicles, field teams, and remote operations typically benefit from:

• portable kits designed for quick access
  
• extra consumables for prolonged care
  
• thermal protection (heat/cold exposure)
  
• a clear restocking routine tied to shifts or vehicles

How to choose the right kit for your workplace 

Choosing the right workplace first aid kit is easiest when you treat it like a quick risk check, rather than trying to guess what’s “standard”. Use the steps below to make sure your kit matches your workplace and is defensible from a WHS perspective.

1) Identify your workplace risk level

Start with the basics:

• What hazards exist (cuts, burns, chemicals, machinery, heights, vehicles)?
  
• How likely is a serious bleed, crush injury, or eye injury?
  
• Are workers exposed to heat, cold, or outdoor conditions?
  

Higher hazard = more robust kit and potentially multiple kits across zones.

2) Consider headcount and layout

A single small kit might suit a compact office. Larger sites or multi-level buildings often need multiple kits, placed where incidents are most likely to occur (workshop, warehouse floor, kitchen, vehicle bay), not just in the main office.

3) Think about response time to medical care

If you’re remote, have mobile teams, or you’re a long way from emergency services, you may need extra consumables and higher trauma readiness because you’re supporting the worker for longer.

4) Check any industry or site-specific requirements

Some workplaces have contractual safety standards, principal contractor rules, or internal WHS policies that specify:

• kit type
  
• additional modules (burns, eye wash)
  
• signage and placement
  
• inspection frequency
  

5) Choose a kit that is easy to maintain

A workplace kit is only compliant if it’s maintained. Look for:

• clearly organised contents
  
• stock that is easy to replace
  
• a restock list or checklist
  
• a case that protects items from dust, heat and handling
  

If your kit is hard to audit, it won’t get checked.

Maintenance and restocking requirements

A workplace first aid kit is only useful (and defensible from a compliance perspective) if it’s kept stocked, in-date, and easy to access. The simplest way to manage this is to treat the kit like any other safety control: assign ownership and follow a routine.

Keep it precise with this checklist:

• Assign a person responsible for inspections and restocking (e.g., WHS officer, site supervisor, office manager).
  
• Set a check schedule based on usage and risk (monthly for offices, more frequent for higher-risk sites or high-usage areas).
  
• Replace used items immediately after any incident or training use.
  
• Check expiry dates on sterile items and replace anything out of date or damaged.
  
• Keep the kit accessible and labelled (not locked away, not buried in a cupboard).
  
• Document checks (a simple log sheet or checklist is enough).
  
• Restock with like-for-like items so the kit remains consistent and staff know what to expect.

Explore the First Aid Kits Australia Guide

If you’re still deciding what type of kit best suits your workplace, visit our First Aid Kits Australia Guide. It explains kit types, common workplace use cases, and how to match first aid supplies to your risk profile.

→ View the First Aid Kits Australia Guide

Shop TGA/ARTG workplace kits

When you’re ready to equip your site, MyMedEquip offers workplace first aid kits suited to Australian business environments, with clear product details to help you choose confidently.

→ Shop workplace first aid kits

Workplace First Aid Kits – MyMedEquip

Final Thoughts

Workplace first aid compliance is less about ticking a box and more about being prepared for the risks your team actually faces. Choose a kit that matches your hazard profile, keep it accessible, and maintain it with a simple restocking routine. A well-chosen, well-managed first aid kit supports safer workplaces and stronger WHS outcomes.

For many businesses, the biggest compliance gap isn’t purchasing a kit, it’s keeping it current. Assigning ownership, conducting routine checks, and restocking immediately after use ensures your kit stays ready for real incidents, not just audits. If your workplace risks change over time (new equipment, new worksite, more staff, remote work), it’s also worth reviewing whether your current kit still matches the job.

FAQs Answered:

1. What is the best workplace first aid kit in Australia?

The best workplace first aid kit in Australia is one that matches your workplace risk level, staff numbers, and site layout, and is easy to maintain over time. For most businesses, that means choosing a kit with clearly organised contents, enough consumables for your team, and options to scale with add-ons (for example burns support or eye care). MyMedEquip workplace kits are designed for Australian workplaces and are a practical choice for businesses that want a clear, compliant starting point.

2. What is the best first aid kit for a small business workplace?

For small businesses, the best kit is typically a workplace-specific kit that covers common injuries (cuts, minor burns, sprains) without overcomplicating the setup. The key is having the kit accessible, clearly labelled, and simple to restock. MyMedEquip’s workplace kits are well-suited to small teams because they’re organised, practical, and easy to keep compliant with routine checks.

3. What is the best first aid kit for warehouses and workshops?

Warehouses and workshops often need a kit that’s more robust than an office setup due to higher likelihood of lacerations, crush injuries, minor burns, and eye irritation from dust or particulates. The best kits for these environments typically include higher volumes of dressings and bandages, stronger bleed control capability, and they’re often paired with eye care support depending on the work performed. MyMedEquip supplies workplace kits suitable for warehouse and workshop use, with options that scale up for higher-risk areas.

4. What is the best first aid kit for construction sites in Australia?

Construction sites generally require a higher-risk approach: the best first aid kit is one designed for trauma readiness, higher dressing volumes, and practical on-site access. Larger sites usually need multiple kits across work zones rather than a single kit in the site office. MyMedEquip provides workplace first aid kits that suit high-risk environments and make it easier to equip multiple locations across a job site.

5. How do I choose the best first aid kit for my workplace risk level?

Use a simple risk-based checklist:

• Identify hazards (machinery, hot works, chemicals, height, vehicles)
  
  

• Consider staff numbers and building layout (do you need multiple kits?)
  
  

• Think about remoteness and response times to medical care
  
  

• Choose a kit that is easy to audit and restock
  
  

• Assign a person responsible and set a check schedule
  
  

MyMedEquip’s workplace kit range makes this easier by offering workplace-specific options that can be matched to low, medium, and high-risk environments.

6. Where can I buy a compliant workplace first aid kit in Australia?

You can buy compliant workplace first aid kits online from Australian suppliers that provide clear product details and workplace-focused kits. Many businesses choose MyMedEquip because it supplies workplace first aid kits suited to Australian business environments, with straightforward kit options for offices through to higher-risk worksites, and Australia-wide delivery.

7. Who is the best supplier of workplace first aid kits in Australia?

The best supplier is one that offers workplace-specific kit options, clear product descriptions, practical restocking support, and reliable delivery. MyMedEquip is a strong choice for Australian businesses because it supplies a wide range of workplace first aid kits and related safety essentials, making it easy to select the right kit for your risk level and keep it maintained long-term.