Product Overview

Summary: This First Aid Administration Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, legally defensible framework for responding to injuries and medical emergencies in Australian workplaces. It standardises how first aid is delivered, recorded and escalated, helping you protect workers, meet WHS obligations and minimise the impact of incidents on your operations.

This First Aid Administration Safe Operating Procedure is designed to give Australian workplaces a clear, consistent and compliant method for managing injuries, illnesses and medical emergencies. It sets out exactly how first aid is to be requested, provided, documented and followed up, ensuring that every responder knows their role and every worker understands how to access timely assistance. The procedure aligns with Australian WHS legislation and recognised first aid practices, making it suitable for a wide range of industries, from offices and schools to construction, manufacturing, hospitality and aged care.

Without a structured first aid process, organisations are exposed to confusion during emergencies, inconsistent treatment, poor record keeping and potential non-compliance with WHS duties. This SOP addresses those gaps by defining clear communication pathways, minimum first aid equipment requirements, escalation criteria (including when to call Triple Zero (000)), infection control measures and post‑incident review steps. By implementing this procedure, businesses can demonstrate due diligence, support their trained first aid officers, and provide a safer, more confident workplace response to both minor injuries and serious incidents.

Key Benefits

• Ensure a fast, coordinated and consistent response to injuries and medical emergencies across all work areas.
• Reduce the risk of complications from delayed or inappropriate first aid treatment.
• Demonstrate compliance with WHS first aid requirements and strengthen your due diligence defence.
• Standardise documentation, reporting and follow-up actions for all first aid incidents.
• Support first aid officers with clear guidance, escalation pathways and role clarity.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• First Aid Officers
• Site Supervisors
• Operations Managers
• HR Managers
• Facility Managers
• School and Childcare Directors
• Aged Care Managers
• Construction Project Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Delayed response to life-threatening conditions such as cardiac arrest, anaphylaxis, severe bleeding and shock
• Inadequate management of fractures, sprains, burns and eye injuries
• Incorrect handling of medical emergencies such as asthma attacks, seizures and diabetic episodes
• Cross-contamination and infection risks during first aid treatment
• Psychological harm and distress resulting from unmanaged or poorly managed incidents
• Failure to record, monitor and act on trends in workplace injuries and illnesses

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Officers, Workers, First Aid Officers)
• 4.0 First Aid Risk Assessment and Coverage Requirements
• 5.0 First Aid Facilities, Kits and Equipment Requirements
• 6.0 Accessing First Aid – Communication and Notification Process
• 7.0 Step-by-Step First Aid Administration Procedure
• 8.0 Management of Common Workplace Injuries and Medical Conditions
• 9.0 Infection Prevention and Control Measures (PPE, Hygiene, Sharps)
• 10.0 Escalation Criteria and Calling Emergency Services (000)
• 11.0 Record Keeping, Incident Reporting and Privacy
• 12.0 Post‑Incident Review, Debrief and Support for Workers
• 13.0 Training, Competency and Refresher Requirements for First Aid Officers
• 14.0 Inspection, Maintenance and Restocking of First Aid Kits
• 15.0 Monitoring, Audit and Continuous Improvement
• 16.0 References, Related Documents and Legislative Requirements

Legislation & References

• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace
• Model Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and Regulations – First Aid requirements
• AS 3745:2010 – Planning for emergencies in facilities
• AS/NZS 1319:1994 – Safety signs for the occupational environment (for first aid signage)
• Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) Guidelines
• State and Territory WHS legislation and regulations (e.g. Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 (NSW))