Product Overview

Summary: This First Aid Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, practical steps for responding to injuries and medical incidents in Australian workplaces. It helps businesses meet their WHS obligations, ensures staff know exactly what to do in an emergency, and supports faster, safer outcomes for injured workers and visitors.

A well-structured first aid response can be the difference between a minor incident and a life‑altering event. This First Aid Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step‑by‑step framework for managing workplace injuries and illnesses across a wide range of Australian industries, from offices and schools through to construction, manufacturing, and remote work sites. It translates legislative requirements and clinical guidance into plain, actionable instructions that any trained first aider or supervisor can follow under pressure.

The procedure covers the full lifecycle of a first aid event: preparation and resourcing, immediate response, escalation to emergency services, communication with workers and families, and post‑incident review and documentation. It defines roles and responsibilities, outlines equipment and facility standards (including first aid kits and rooms), and standardises how incidents are recorded and reported to support WHS compliance. By implementing this SOP, businesses can demonstrate due diligence, improve emergency readiness, and give workers confidence that effective help will be available when it is needed most.

Key Benefits

• Ensure a consistent, calm and coordinated first aid response across all work areas and shifts.
• Reduce the severity and impact of injuries and illnesses through prompt, structured intervention.
• Demonstrate compliance with WHS legislation and first aid Code of Practice requirements.
• Standardise training, drills and competency expectations for First Aid Officers and supervisors.
• Improve incident documentation, supporting insurance claims, investigations and continuous improvement.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Site Supervisors and Leading Hands
• First Aid Officers
• HR Managers
• Facilities and Operations Managers
• School Business Managers
• Practice and Clinic Managers
• Construction Project Managers
• Warehouse and Logistics Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Sudden cardiac arrest and other life‑threatening medical emergencies
• Traumatic injuries such as cuts, lacerations, fractures and crush injuries
• Burns from heat, chemicals, electricity and hot surfaces
• Respiratory emergencies including asthma, anaphylaxis and choking
• Heat stress, heat stroke and dehydration in hot environments
• Slip, trip and fall injuries in offices, warehouses and construction sites
• Exposure to hazardous substances causing poisoning, eye injuries or skin irritation
• Psychological distress and critical incidents requiring immediate support and stabilisation

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms
• 3.0 Legal and WHS Requirements for First Aid
• 4.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Officers, Workers, First Aid Officers)
• 5.0 First Aid Risk Assessment and Coverage Requirements
• 6.0 First Aid Facilities, Kits and Equipment Standards
• 7.0 Training, Competency and Refresher Requirements
• 8.0 Step‑by‑Step First Aid Response Procedure (DRSABCD and Beyond)
• 9.0 Management of Common Workplace Injuries and Medical Conditions
• 10.0 Escalation to Emergency Services and External Medical Care
• 11.0 Communication with Supervisors, Workers and Next of Kin
• 12.0 Infection Control and Hygiene in First Aid Delivery
• 13.0 Incident Reporting, Record Keeping and Privacy
• 14.0 Post‑Incident Review, Debriefing and Psychological Support
• 15.0 Inspection, Maintenance and Replenishment of First Aid Kits and Rooms
• 16.0 Emergency Drills, Testing and Continuous Improvement
• 17.0 Document Control and Review

Legislation & References

• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace
• Model Work Health and Safety Act
• Model Work Health and Safety Regulations (First Aid provisions)
• AS 1319: Safety signs for the occupational environment
• AS/NZS 1318: Use of colour for the marking of physical hazards and the identification of certain equipment
• Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) Guidelines
• AS ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems