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What This Checklist Is
This checklist is a practical self-review tool that helps businesses reflect on how first aid is provided and supported in their workplace. It is commonly used during internal reviews, planning activities, or improvement discussions where readiness and response need checking. The checklist is intended for owners, managers, and supervisors who want a clear way to sense-check first aid arrangements.
It is a practical review tool, not a compliance test and not legal advice.
How This Checklist Relates to the Code of Practice
A WHS Code of Practice describes accepted ways of managing Work Health and Safety risks in Australia. This checklist reflects the key themes of the Code by focusing on preparedness, access to first aid resources, and practical response to injuries. Answering “Yes” and “No” helps identify where current first aid arrangements are effective and where gaps may exist.
The checklist supports understanding of good practice without claiming legal alignment.
Why Use a Code of Practice Checklist?
First aid arrangements are critical but often assumed to be in place without regular review. A checklist like this helps clarify what “good practice” looks like in everyday workplace safety. It supports early identification of weak or missing controls and helps set clearer priorities for improvement.
It also supports more informed discussions with workers, advisors, or inspectors about first aid readiness.
Key Features
Simple Yes / No checklist format
Written in plain English
Designed for Australian WHS Codes of Practice
Suitable for small and medium businesses
How to Use This Checklist
Work through the questions honestly, based on what would happen in a real first aid situation rather than what is written down. The checklist is most useful when answers reflect actual access, knowledge, and response.
Treat “No” answers as areas needing further attention. Use the results to prioritise practical actions and revisit the checklist when work activities, hazards, or risks change.
What Inspectors Commonly Expect to See
Inspectors generally focus on whether first aid arrangements work in practice, not just on what is planned. They look for evidence that risks are understood, first aid needs are considered, and resources are available when required. Tools like this checklist support informed decision-making by showing that first aid readiness has been reviewed.
Action and understanding usually matter more than paperwork alone. Inspectors often want to see that identified issues lead to practical improvements.
Notes or action lists from checklist reviews
Changes made to first aid resources or arrangements
Records showing issues were identified and addressed
FAQs
Who should use this checklist?
It is designed for business owners, managers, and supervisors. It can also support discussions with workers to confirm that first aid arrangements are understood and accessible.
Is this checklist only for high-risk workplaces?
No. First aid is relevant to all workplaces, including low-risk environments. The checklist helps tailor arrangements to the type of work and level of risk.
Does completing the checklist mean our first aid setup is adequate?
No. The checklist helps identify strengths and gaps but does not confirm adequacy or compliance. It is a starting point for review and improvement.
How often should first aid arrangements be reviewed?
Reviews are useful when work changes, new hazards are introduced, or incidents occur. Many businesses also review periodically to ensure arrangements remain suitable.
Articles and Further Reading
Regulation s42 – First Aid – Establishes the duty to provide first aid equipment, facilities and trained personnel appropriate to the nature of the work and workplace risks.
First Aid in the Workplace – Provides practical guidance on determining first aid needs, equipment requirements, training levels and response planning under the Model WHS framework.
About the Author
About the Author
Nathan Owen
Nathan has worked in construction for 15 years, primarily in health and safety and site management. He has frontline experience including operating plant and machinery and post-graduate qualifications in health and safety.