Product Overview

Summary: This On-Site First Aid Protocol Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, practical steps for responding to injuries and medical incidents in Australian workplaces. It helps businesses meet WHS obligations, coordinate first aid responses, and provide timely, appropriate care until professional medical assistance arrives.

This On-Site First Aid Protocol SOP provides a structured, step-by-step framework for managing first aid incidents across a wide range of Australian workplaces, from construction sites and warehouses to offices and community facilities. It defines how first aid is organised, who is responsible, what equipment must be available, and how to respond systematically to injuries and sudden illnesses. The procedure supports businesses to move beyond ad‑hoc responses, ensuring that every incident is handled consistently, documented correctly, and escalated appropriately.

By implementing this SOP, organisations can demonstrate due diligence under Australian WHS legislation and align with recognised first aid standards and guidance. The document addresses common pain points such as confusion over who takes charge in an emergency, poorly maintained first aid kits, inconsistent incident reporting, and uncertainty about when to call an ambulance or notify the regulator. It provides clear protocols for triage, communication with emergency services, handling of high‑risk events (such as falls from height, crush injuries, electrical shock, heat stress and anaphylaxis), and post‑incident review. This creates a safer, more confident workforce and reduces the likelihood that a manageable incident becomes a serious, costly event.

Key Benefits

• Ensure a consistent, legally defensible response to first aid incidents across all sites.
• Reduce the severity and impact of workplace injuries through timely, structured first aid actions.
• Clarify roles, responsibilities and communication channels during medical emergencies.
• Standardise first aid equipment checks, restocking and maintenance to ensure readiness.
• Improve incident reporting, recordkeeping and follow‑up to support WHS investigations and continuous improvement.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Site Supervisors
• First Aid Officers
• Operations Managers
• Construction Project Managers
• Facility Managers
• HR Managers
• Manufacturing Supervisors
• Warehouse and Logistics Managers
• School Business Managers
• Aged Care and Community Services Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Traumatic injuries from slips, trips and falls
• Cuts, lacerations and amputations from tools, machinery and sharp objects
• Crush injuries and impact trauma from mobile plant and moving vehicles
• Electrical shock and burns
• Thermal burns from hot surfaces, steam, flames or chemicals
• Exposure to hazardous substances causing eye injuries, skin irritation or poisoning
• Heat stress, heat stroke and dehydration in outdoor or hot work environments
• Asthma attacks and anaphylaxis from allergens or environmental triggers
• Cardiac events such as heart attacks and sudden cardiac arrest
• Musculoskeletal strains and sprains from manual handling
• Psychological shock or acute stress responses following critical incidents

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 Legal and Other Requirements (WHS and First Aid)
• 4.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Officers, Supervisors, First Aiders, Workers)
• 5.0 First Aid Risk Assessment and Coverage Requirements
• 6.0 First Aid Facilities, Rooms and Equipment
• 7.0 First Aid Kits: Contents, Inspection and Restocking Procedure
• 8.0 On-Site First Aid Response Protocol (DRSABCD and Triage)
• 9.0 Specific Response Guidelines (Bleeding, Burns, Fractures, Shock, Heat Stress, Anaphylaxis, Asthma, Cardiac Events, Electrical Injury)
• 10.0 Use and Management of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
• 11.0 Communication and Coordination with Emergency Services (000)
• 12.0 Incident Reporting, Recordkeeping and Privacy
• 13.0 Escalation, Notifiable Incidents and Regulator Notification
• 14.0 Training, Competency and Refresher Requirements for First Aiders
• 15.0 Infection Control, Hygiene and Management of Bodily Fluids
• 16.0 Post-Incident Review, Debriefing and Worker Support
• 17.0 Monitoring, Audit and Continuous Improvement
• 18.0 Document Control and Review History

Legislation & References

• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace
• Model Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS Acts
• Model Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (First Aid in the Workplace provisions)
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• AS 1319: Safety signs for the occupational environment
• AS/NZS 4801: Occupational health and safety management systems (superseded but still referenced in many systems)
• ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use