How to Choose an Office First Aid Kit
Start with the size and layout of your workplace. Compact first aid kits may suit a small office with one central work area, while a larger or spread-out workplace may need additional kits so workers can access supplies quickly.
Safe Work Australia states that workplaces must provide access to at least one first aid kit. Your first aid requirements should reflect the workplace hazards, location, number of workers and visitors, and access to medical assistance. Larger offices, multiple floors and separate work areas may require more than one kit.
A first aid kit is only one part of workplace readiness. Your arrangements should also include suitable first aid facilities, trained first aiders and a process for checking and restocking supplies. Review the requirements of your state or territory work health and safety regulator when completing your assessment.
Portable First Aid Kits or Wall-Mounted Cabinets?
Choose the format that makes supplies easiest to identify, reach and use.
Softpacks and First Aid Backpacks
Portable first aid bags and backpacks are useful when a first aider may need to carry supplies to another floor, meeting room, car park or separate work area. Internal compartments can also help keep dressings, bandages and other supplies organised.
Hard Plastic Cases
A hard case may suit offices with maintenance areas, storage rooms or work vehicles where supplies need extra protection from movement, dust or moisture. Secure latches can also help keep the kit closed during storage or transport.
Metal First Aid Cabinets
Wall-mounted cabinets provide a fixed and clearly identified first aid point. They can suit reception areas, staff rooms and shared office spaces where workers need to know exactly where supplies are stored. Check whether the cabinet is supplied empty or includes first aid contents before ordering.
Where Should an Office First Aid Kit Be Kept?
Place each kit somewhere visible, clearly marked and quick to access. Avoid storing it behind furniture, inside a locked room or in a cupboard that staff cannot easily find.
For offices across several floors or separate buildings, consider whether one central kit can be reached quickly from every work area. Staff who travel for work may also need access to first aid supplies in workplace vehicles. Safe Work Australia recommends checking kits regularly and replacing used, damaged or expired items.
Keep Your First Aid Kit Stocked
Nominate someone to inspect office first aid kits on a regular schedule and after each use. Check that supplies remain sealed, clearly labelled and within their expiry dates. Replace missing or damaged products promptly and reassess your setup when staff numbers, workplace hazards or the office layout change.
Australian Pacific Training Solutions provides first aid kit audit checklists for small, standard and large workplace kits. APTS also offers kit auditing and restocking support for workplaces that need help managing multiple kits or replacement supplies.
Office First Aid Kit FAQs
What size first aid kit does an office need?
The appropriate size depends on the number of workers and visitors, the workplace layout, identified hazards and access to medical help. A small office may need one accessible kit, while a larger or multi-level workplace may require several.
Is an office considered a low-risk workplace?
Safe Work Australia identifies an office as an example of a low-risk workplace. However, each business must assess its actual activities and hazards. Kitchens, workshops, warehouses, public areas and work vehicles may create additional first aid needs.
Are all products in this collection stocked first aid kits?
The collection includes products described as first aid kits as well as metal cabinet and storage options. Review the individual product contents before ordering to confirm whether supplies are included.
How many first aid kits should an office have?
Workplaces must have access to at least one first aid kit. Additional kits may be needed when an office has multiple floors, separate work areas or a layout that makes the central kit difficult to reach quickly.
How often should an office first aid kit be checked?
Check the kit after it is used and on a regular workplace schedule. Replace used, missing, damaged or expired supplies and review the kit whenever your workplace risks, staffing or layout changes.
Can an office first aid kit be returned or exchanged?
APTS offers change-of-mind exchanges for most unused and undamaged items returned in their original packaging within 14 days of delivery. Opened or used first aid kits, supplies and consumables cannot be returned unless faulty. Review the returns and exchange policy before ordering.
Does APTS offer training for office first aid kit use?
Yes. APTS offers a range of first aid courses to groups, corporates & individuals for better use of your office first aid kit.
