Workplace-Specific First Aid

Workplaces in Australia must provide first aid appropriate to the hazards present. High-risk industries like construction, hospitality and childcare each have predictable injuries — knowing the common scenarios ahead of time saves precious minutes.

In any serious emergency, follow DRSABCD and call 000.

For deep, industry-specific guidance see the Workplace First Aid hub — 20 Australian verticals including construction, mining, manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare & aged care, education & childcare, hospitality, transport & logistics and office.

Construction sites

Common incidents: crush injuries, falls from height, lacerations from power tools, eye injuries from grinding/welding, and electric shock.

• Crush or impalement: Do not remove the object. Control bleeding around it with pressure pads. See Bleeding.
• Falls from height: Assume spinal injury. Keep the person still; only move if there is immediate danger.
• Power-tool lacerations: Apply firm direct pressure; elevate. Bag and ice any amputated part — send with the casualty to hospital.
• Eye injuries from metal splinters or grinding dust: cover both eyes, do not rub. See Eye Injuries.
• Electric shock: Turn off power before touching the casualty. See Electric Shock.
• Concrete burns: Wet cement is alkaline — flush with running water for at least 20 minutes. See Burns.

A site first aid kit should include large trauma dressings, an eye-wash bottle, and a clearly marked AED if more than 25 workers are on site.

Hospitality (kitchens, cafes, bars)

Common incidents: scalds and burns, knife cuts, slips on wet floors, choking on food, and anaphylaxis from allergens.

• Scalds and burns: 20 minutes under cool running water. See Burns.
• Deep knife cuts: Direct pressure with a clean cloth; elevate the limb above heart level.
• Choking guests: 5 back blows, then 5 chest thrusts. See Choking.
• Anaphylaxis (nut, shellfish, sesame): Lay flat, give adrenaline auto-injector into outer thigh, call 000. See Anaphylaxis.
• Alcohol-related collapse: Recovery position, monitor breathing. See Recovery Position.

Childcare and schools

Common incidents: febrile seizures, asthma attacks, allergic reactions, head bumps from falls, and choking on small objects.

• Asthma attack: 4 puffs of blue reliever, wait 4 minutes, repeat. Call 000 if no improvement. See Asthma.
• Anaphylaxis: Use the child's EpiPen Jr (under 20 kg). See Anaphylaxis.
• Seizures: Time it, protect the head, do not restrain or put anything in the mouth. See Seizures.
• Choking infants/children: Different technique to adults — see Choking.
• Head bumps: Watch for vomiting, drowsiness, unequal pupils. See Head Injury.
• Bleeding from baby teeth or knocked-out adult teeth: See Dental Injury.

Childcare staff in Australia must hold HLTAID012 (Provide First Aid in an education and care setting), which includes asthma and anaphylaxis training.

Workplace obligations

Under WHS law, employers must provide trained first aiders, accessible kits, and clear emergency procedures matched to the hazards of the work. A single generic kit in a drawer is not enough on a building site or in a commercial kitchen.