Survival First Aid Kits: Workplace, Vehicles & More
A first aid kit is one of those things you hope you never need but when you do, you need it immediately. Whether you're managing a busy worksite, stocking your car for a long drive, or preparing your home for emergencies, having the right first aid kit in the right place can make all the difference.
At New Signs, we stock a range of SURVIVAL First Aid Kits designed for Australian conditions, available as part of our convenient grab and go range, so you can get what you need quickly and get on with the job.
When Do You Need a First Aid Kit?
The short answer: always. But here are the most common situations where having a kit on hand is not just smart, it's often a legal requirement:
- At work — Australian WHS legislation requires all workplaces to have an adequately stocked first aid kit, with the size and contents determined by the nature of the work and number of employees.
- In your vehicle — A first aid kit for your car is essential for long drives, remote travel, and everyday commuting. Accidents happen anywhere, and being prepared can save lives.
- On construction & outdoor worksites — Higher-risk environments require more comprehensive kits, often including snake bite treatment and trauma supplies.
- At events — Whether you're running a community event or a large-scale festival, a first aid kit is a non-negotiable part of your safety plan.
- At home & in the bush — For families, campers, and anyone spending time in remote areas, a survival first aid kit provides peace of mind when help isn't close by.
Types of First Aid Kits
Workplace First Aid Kits
Every Australian workplace is required under WHS regulations to have a first aid kit that is appropriate for the size and hazard level of the workplace. A small office may only need a basic kit, while a construction site or manufacturing facility will require a more comprehensive setup. Key considerations include the number of workers, the nature of hazards on site, and proximity to emergency services.
Vehicle First Aid Kits
A first aid kit for your car or work vehicle is one of the simplest and most important safety investments you can make. Compact, portable, and designed to handle common road injuries, a vehicle first aid kit should be kept in an easily accessible location, not buried under gear in the boot.
Survival First Aid Kits
For those heading into remote areas, working in the bush, or simply wanting to be prepared for worst-case scenarios, a survival first aid kit goes beyond the basics. These kits typically include snake bite bandages, emergency blankets, trauma dressings, and other supplies suited to serious or prolonged emergencies where professional help may be delayed.
First Aid Kits for Dogs
If you work with animals or spend time outdoors with your dog, a pet-specific first aid kit is worth having on hand. From paw injuries to snake bites, being prepared for your four-legged companions is just as important.
First Aid Signage: A Legal Requirement in Australian Workplaces
Having a first aid kit is only part of your WHS obligation, your workplace also needs to clearly communicate where the kit is located and who your first aid officers are. This is where First Aid Signs come in.
Under Australian WHS legislation, workplaces are required to display signage that identifies:
- The location of first aid kits and equipment
- First aid officers and their contact details
- Emergency procedures and evacuation information
Clear, compliant first aider signs ensures that in an emergency, anyone on site, including visitors and contractors, can quickly locate the help they need without wasting critical time.
Emergency Information Signs
Beyond first aid kit location signs, workplaces are also required to display broader Emergency Information Signs covering evacuation procedures, emergency contact numbers, and assembly points. These signs must be clearly visible, well-maintained, and positioned in accordance with Australian standards.
Our Workplace Safety Signage range covers everything you need to meet your obligations, from first aid and emergency signs through to general WHS compliance signage.
Where to Position Your First Aid Kit & Signage
- Central, accessible locations — Kits should be easy to reach in an emergency, not locked away or stored behind other equipment.
- Near high-risk areas — Position kits close to areas where injuries are most likely to occur, such as machinery, chemical storage, or loading docks.
- Clearly signed — Every kit location should be marked with a First Aid Sign so it can be found quickly by anyone on site.
- In every vehicle — Each work vehicle should carry its own kit, not share one between multiple vehicles.
- Regularly checked — Kits should be inspected regularly and restocked after use. An empty or expired kit is as good as no kit at all.
Shop First Aid Kits & Safety Signage at New Signs
New Signs stocks a range of first aid kits and bundles as part of our grab and go range designed to make it easy to get the right kit quickly, without the guesswork. Pair your kit with the right workplace signs to ensure your workplace is safe, compliant, and prepared for anything.
FAQ's
Q. Are first aid kits required by law in Australian workplaces?
Yes. Under Australian WHS legislation, all workplaces are required to have an adequately stocked first aid kit. The size and contents of the kit must be appropriate for the nature of the work, the number of workers, and the level of hazard on site.
Q. What should a workplace first aid kit contain?
At a minimum, a workplace first aid kit should include bandages, dressings, antiseptic, gloves, scissors, and a first aid manual. Higher-risk workplaces may also require CPR masks, eye wash, burn dressings, and snake bite bandages depending on the hazards present.
Q. Do I need a first aid kit in my work vehicle?
Yes, each work vehicle should carry its own dedicated first aid kit. A shared kit between multiple vehicles is not considered adequate. Compact vehicle kits are designed to fit easily in a glove box or under a seat without taking up valuable space.
Q. What first aid signage is required in a workplace?
Australian workplaces must display signage identifying the location of first aid kits and equipment, the names and contact details of first aid officers, and emergency procedures. Signs must be clearly visible and positioned so that anyone on site, including visitors and contractors can find them quickly.
Q. How often should a first aid kit be checked and restocked?
First aid kits should be inspected regularly, at least every 12 months and restocked immediately after use. Check expiry dates on medications and dressings, and replace any damaged or missing items promptly. An incomplete or expired kit may not meet your WHS obligations.
Related Blogs
Emergency Equipment Sign Meanings: A Must-Read for Australian Workplaces
When Seconds Count: Emergency Signage Every Australian Workplace Needs