First Aid at Work in NZ: What You Need to Know

Creating a safe and prepared workplace is more than just a legal requirement—it’s a commitment to protecting the health and wellbeing of your team. First aid at work ensures that emergencies are managed quickly and effectively, minimising risks and potentially saving lives.

In this article, we’ll explore the essentials of workplace first aid, including how to set up a system, provide training, and maintain your first aid resources.

·?????? Why First Aid at Work Matters

·?????? How Many First Aid Kits Does a Workplace Need?

·?????? What Should Be in a Workplace First Aid Kit?

·?????? Remote workers

·?????? First Aid Training

·?????? Maintaining Your First Aid Kit

·?????? Useful Links

Why First Aid at Work Matters

Workplaces can be unpredictable, and accidents or medical emergencies can happen anytime. As per WorkSafe NZ, all workplaces must have adequate first aid resources and procedures in place to respond to injuries and illnesses effectively.

Under the Health and Safety at Work (General Risk and Workplace Management) Regulations 2016, PCBUs have a duty to provide first aid for their workers at work.

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How Many First Aid Kits Does a Workplace Need?

The number of first aid kits your workplace requires depends on its physical size, industry type, layout, number of workers and risk level.

WorkSafe NZ requires every workplace to have at least one first aid kit and ensure all workers know where it is located.?

Use first aid signs to clearly show the location of first aid equipment and first aid rooms.

Also, consider placing kits in high-risk areas where accidents are more likely, such as kitchens, workshops or outdoor sites. It ensures that help is always within reach when needed most.

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What Should Be in a Workplace First Aid Kit?

A workplace first aid kit must be equipped to handle common injuries and emergencies, such as:

• cuts, scratches, punctures, grazes and splinters
• soft tissue sprains and strains
• minor burns
• broken bones
• eye injuries, and
• shock

It’s crucial to customise kits to the specific needs of your workplace. For example, outdoor workplaces may require insect bite treatments and sunblock, while high-risk environments like factories might need splints and additional wound dressings. We recommend starting with a standard first aid kit, which provides an excellent baseline for most businesses.

At TESTntel, we offer the convenience of delivering a first aid kit (small, medium or large) directly to your workplace when we are onsite performing your test and tag service with NO extra travel fees. Collaborating with the Red Cross, we provide high-quality first aid kits tailored to meet your workplace needs, ensuring a seamless and cost-effective solution for your business.

Order from TESTntel at [email protected] or call 0800 837 8824.

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Remote workers

If you have remote workers, you must provide them with a basic first aid kit, a plan for obtaining help if they are injured or ill, and additional first aid or communication equipment if required.

First Aid Training

Having the right supplies is just the start. First aid training ensures employees are equipped to respond effectively during emergencies by enabling quick responses, as trained staff can provide immediate assistance to reduce the severity of injuries.

Learn hands-on interactive First Aid Training with the Red Cross here: https://www.first-training.co.nz/.

WorkSafe NZ recommends providing certified first aid training to ensure compliance and enhance workplace safety. Consider partnering with reputable organizations to conduct on-site or remote training sessions tailored to your team’s needs.

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Maintaining Your First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is only effective if it’s properly maintained. To ensure it’s always ready for use, you can:

• Monitor Usage: Regularly track the usage of items in the kit.
• Inspect and Restock: Conduct regular inspections for missing or expired items and ensure the kit contains all required supplies at least once every 12 months.
• Seasonal Adjustments: Update the kit to address seasonal risks, such as adding sunburn treatments for summer outdoor activities.

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Include AEDs as Part of Your First Aid Kit

For workplaces, especially those with higher risks or larger staff numbers, having an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on-site is a critical addition to your first aid resources.

AEDs are life-saving devices designed to assist in cases of sudden cardiac arrest by delivering a controlled electric shock to restore a normal heart rhythm.

Consider providing an AED if there:

• Are Large Numbers of Employees or Visitors: Workplaces with higher foot traffic, such as offices, retail spaces or public venues.
• Is a Remote Location: In remote or isolated workplaces where an ambulance might take longer to arrive.
• Involves High-Risk Work Activities or Electrocution Hazards: Industries like construction, manufacturing or those with electrical risks increase the likelihood of cardiac incidents, making an on-site AED essential.

At TESTntel, we go beyond providing high-quality first aid supplies by offering AED testing and restocking services to ensure your device is always in top working condition. We ensure your AED is emergency-ready with regular testing and provide timely refills for pads and batteries, keeping you compliant and prepared.

Contact us to learn more: [email protected] or [email protected].

Related Readings: What is AED and How to Use It?

Next Steps Towards a Safer Workplace

Safety starts with preparation. Assess your workplace’s first aid needs, ensure kits meet WorkSafe NZ standards and provide team training to boost preparedness. Contact us today for tailored first aid solutions.

Useful Links

• WorkSafe: First aid at work
• WorkSafe: Workplace emergency plans
• Red Cross: First Aid Training
• Health and Safety at Work (General Risk and Workplace Management) Regulations 2016