It’s one of those action-packed days at work. A new product is about to be launched and everyone is working their socks off to bring preparations to a close on time.
That’s when one of your team suffers an injury. You reach your first aid cabinet and search for some gauze swabs to realise there is none.
As an entrepreneur, you should make sure workplace safety is your primary focus.
All Australian workers are protected by the WHS Act. And you are legally responsible to provide your workers with first aid kits, facilities and trained personnel. At all times.
Often the main culprit of a workplace injury complication is a lack of first aid supplies. Being prepared at all times for workplace emergencies will save you a lot of headaches.
So, forestall workplace incidents by knowing how to restock your first aid supplies and keep them up-to-date with complex, ever-shifting regulations. Read on to find out how.
Know Which Industry-Specific First Aid Kit Supplies You Need
Are you stocked up? Do you know the essentials required for your specific workplace?
What you need to stock in your emergency first aid kit depends on your industry and type of workplace. So, pick your first aid kit contents based on a risk assessment. Things you should consider is the nature of the business, any typical hazards involved, and number of employees.
Here’s a checklist of some basic items to stock up your workplace first aid kits with:
- Bandages of different shapes and sizes
- Absorbent compress
- Adhesive tape
- Antiseptic solution or towelettes
- Cold pack or ice bag
- Elastic bandage for sprains and strains
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Sterile latex gloves
- Sterile eyewash
- Antibiotic ointment
- Eye covering
- Cotton balls and cotton-tipped swabs
Review, Restock, Refill and Repeat
Make sure your emergency first aid kit is fully stocked at all times.
Reassessing and restocking your emergency supplies should be entrusted to your first aiders and put on top of their to-do list.
In order to maintain your first aid kits properly, your first aiders should perform these tasks regularly:
- Monitor access to the first aid kit and ensure items are replaced as soon as possible after use.
- Undertake regular annual audits (at a bare minimum) to ensure the kit contains a complete set of the required items and that they comply with standards (an inventory list in the kit should be signed and dated after each audit).
- Make sure items are in good working order, are not damaged or worn out, and that they are within their expiry dates.
Make Sure Your First Aid Kits are Up to Date and WHS Compliant
Maybe one of the trickiest questions is how to keep current with the ever-changing WHS legislation. This situation causes massive confusion in Australian workplaces, and legitimately so. Failing to have fully stocked and up to date, first aid supplies can lead to hefty fines.
Under WHS laws, as a business owner, you’re obliged to undertake a first aid risk assessment of your workplace. You’re further obliged to stock your first aid kits with appropriate modules based on the hazards identified and to keep the kits regularly updated and serviced and have a sufficient numbers of first aiders.
Rent Your First Aid Kits To Ensure Compliance
Renting your first aid kits could save you the trouble of constantly replacing stock and also avoid the hefty initial outlay. You also won’t need to worry about having to stay up to date with complex WHS regulations. Alsco can do all of this for you!
Our Managed Rental First Aid Service offers hospital grade supplies, quarterly servicing and regular restocking. For one fixed annual fee!
Why us? Well, we’ve got a knack for keeping your workplace safe, secure, and 100% WHS compliant. Irrespective of the type of workplace. We’ve got kits suitable for each line of work.
Our service begins with a complete survey of your workplace to determine compliance requirements. And when you need restocking or refills of your emergency supplies, all you have to do is phone us and your items will be replaced. That’s it!
Play It Safe and Smart
Take advantage of our first aid kit rental service to save time and money, avoid hefty WHS fines, and keep your staff healthy, happy, and safe.
Let us worry about your workplace safety, while you focus on your core business.
Contact Alsco now, and you’re all set.