Workplace first aid instruments and equipment
When accidents occur in the workplace, the difference between a quick recovery and a serious medical emergency often comes down to the availability of first aid equipment.
While most workers are familiar with dressings, bandages, and saline solution, many overlook the specialised instruments and tools that enable effective treatment.
These instruments are not only essential for managing injuries but also for ensuring first aid is delivered safely, efficiently and in line with workplace health and safety standards.
In Australian workplaces, first aid is a legal and practical necessity. Employers must provide adequate first aid resources based on the size of the workforce, the type of work and the risks involved.
First aid instruments and equipment are often the unsung heroes of workplace safety.
A properly equipped first aid kit allows trained first aiders to respond quickly to a wide range of injuries, from minor splinters to serious fractures. The right tools can:
- Reduce the severity of injuries by enabling faster treatment
- Assist in stabilising injured workers until professional help arrives
- Prevent infections through hygienic handling of contaminated waste
- Improve worker confidence, knowing they are supported in emergencies
A pair of universal shears may never be used in a low-risk office environment. But in a logistics warehouse, they could be critical for cutting through clothing or safety gear to reach a laceration.
Having the right equipment in place means being prepared for both everyday incidents and unexpected emergencies.
Legal and compliance requirements in Australia
In Australia, workplace first aid is governed by both national and state regulations.
Safe Work Australia’s Model Code of Practice: First aid in the workplace outlines the minimum requirements, while each state or territory regulator provides additional guidance. Employers must ensure:
- First aid kits are readily accessible and tailored to workplace risks
- Kits are stocked with both general supplies and instruments appropriate for likely injuries
- First aid officers are trained to use all equipment correctly
- Records are kept of all first aid incidents, which may include details noted at the time of treatment
Failure to comply can lead to penalties under workplace health and safety laws.
More importantly, inadequate preparation can put workers at risk of preventable harm.
By equipping first aid kits with the right instruments, employers demonstrate their commitment to safety and legal compliance.
Scissors
Scissors are one of the most common yet essential instruments in any workplace first aid kit.
Their primary role is to cut dressings, bandages, and adhesive tapes cleanly and quickly.
In an emergency, being able to trim bandages to size ensures wounds are properly covered and secured. First aid scissors are typically rounded at the tips to prevent accidental punctures when cutting near skin.
In Australian workplaces, scissors are particularly important in industries like construction and manufacturing where cuts and abrasions are frequent.
Employers should ensure that scissors are stainless steel for durability, rust resistance and easy cleaning.
Universal shears
Universal shears are designed for heavy-duty cutting that ordinary scissors cannot handle.
They can cut through thick clothing, leather boots or even seatbelts during emergencies. Their angled design and strong blades make them indispensable in high-risk workplaces such as construction, mining, transport and warehousing.
Unlike standard scissors, universal shears are built to cut quickly through tough materials without slipping. This ensures that first aiders can access injuries rapidly without causing unnecessary delays.
Many workplaces in Australia, especially those with machinery or vehicle fleets, are now required to include universal shears in their first aid kits.
Splinter probes
Splinter probes are fine, blister-packed instruments used to remove splinters, glass or other foreign bodies lodged in the skin.
These small but effective tools prevent infections and reduce the risk of complications.
In work environments such as carpentry, gardening or food processing, splinters are a common hazard.
Australian workplace first aid guidelines recommend individually packed, single-use splinter probes to avoid cross-contamination.
While splinter probes may seem minor compared to other equipment, they can safely prevent unnecessary discomfort and infection.
Forceps
Forceps are precision tools used to grasp and remove small objects from wounds.
Sometimes referred to as tweezers, they’re useful for tasks that require accuracy, such as extracting glass fragments or applying sterile dressings.
Forceps are also valuable when handling bandages or wound pads without directly touching them, helping to maintain sterility.
In Australian workplaces where employees handle sharp or brittle materials, forceps are particularly relevant. They allow first aiders to safely address injuries while minimising the risk of introducing bacteria.
Stainless steel forceps are preferred, as they are durable and easy to sterilise.
Safety pins
Safety pins play a practical role in workplace first aid.
Their primary purpose is to secure bandages or slings, ensuring that dressings remain in place during treatment or transport.
In situations where adhesive tapes cannot be used, such as with sweaty or oily skin, safety pins provide a reliable alternative.
In Australian workplaces, safety pins are inexpensive, lightweight and versatile, making them a staple in every first aid kit.
Splints
Splints are used to immobilise and support injured limbs, reducing pain and preventing further damage.
They’re especially important in workplaces with higher risks of fractures, such as construction sites, warehouses and sporting facilities. Splints come in various forms, including rigid, flexible or inflatable designs.
Australian workplace safety standards recommend that first aid kits include splints appropriate for the size and type of workforce. Medical-grade splints provide greater stability and safety.
Correct use of splints requires basic training, highlighting the importance of workplace first aid education.
Press-seal bags
Press-seal bags serve several important purposes.
Transparent high-grade plastic press-seal bags can be used to safely store and identify contaminated dressings, protect sterile items until they are needed or secure small severed body parts in transit to hospital with the patient.
Their low cost and versatility make press-seal bags a smart addition to every Australian workplace first aid kit.
Thermal shock blankets
Thermal shock blankets are designed to retain body heat and help manage the body’s response to shock.
They’re made of a thin, lightweight reflective material that reflects heat back to the body to maintain a stable body temperature in extreme weather exposure or an emergency involving blood loss, hypothermia or physical shock.
Workplaces with outdoor exposure, such as agriculture, construction or transport, should always stock thermal shock blankets.
Their compact size makes them easy to store and carry in workplace first aid kits.
Notepad and pencil
A notepad and pencil are crucial for accurate incident documentation.
Recording details such as the time of injury, symptoms, first aid treatment given and any changes in the worker’s condition helps ensure continuity of care.
If paramedics or doctors become involved, written notes provide vital information that can improve patient outcomes.
Australian workplace safety regulations also require incident reporting, so notes taken during an emergency can assist with compliance.
A pencil is preferred over a pen, as it writes reliably in all conditions, including damp or wet environments.
Alcohol swabs
Alcohol swabs are individually packaged wipes soaked in isopropyl alcohol.
They’re primarily used to disinfect the skin before inserting a needle or performing minor procedures like splinter removal.
Alcohol swabs also help clean small instruments before use, reducing the risk of infection.
In Australian workplaces, maintaining hygiene during first aid is critical. Alcohol swabs provide a quick and effective way to sterilise instruments without requiring additional equipment.
They should be stored in sealed packaging to prevent evaporation and loss of effectiveness.
Conclusion
Workplace first aid kits are not just about bandages and dressings.
Instruments and equipment such as scissors, splints, forceps and thermal shock blankets play an equally important role in providing effective, immediate care.
From universal shears that cut through protective clothing to notepads that document emergency details, each item has a specific purpose that can save time, reduce risk and even save lives.
Employers across Australia should ensure that first aid kits are properly stocked, regularly checked and tailored to the specific risks of their workplace. Equally important is ensuring staff are trained to use these instruments confidently and correctly.
A well-prepared workplace isn’t only compliant with Australian safety regulations but also better equipped to protect the health and wellbeing of its workers.
References
Safe Work Australia - Model Code of Practice: First aid in the workplace
WorkSafe Victoria - Compliance code: First aid in the workplace