It is usually on the first day of any job that we are briefly alerted to the whereabouts of the old, dusty first-aid kit that's sitting in the back of the work kitchen, under a pile of cleaning products. Unless your memory is exceptional, you've probably forgotten the location by the second day.

Being overwhelmed with information overload and a heap of daily tasks, employees are often left inadequately trained on first-aid use, since the chances of ever having to use it are less than likely.

But did you know businesses can be fined up to $30,000 for not having appropriate access to a functional first aid kit in the workplace, or not having a legally accepted number of first aiders in the workplace? This makes first aid one of the top requirements for workplace health and safety.

What needs to be done if an employee injures themselves at work?

Businesses must ensure that they:

• provide first aid equipment and access to first aid facilities
• make sure all workers have access to the first aid equipment
• appoint an adequate number of workers who are trained to give first aid, or make sure that workers have access to a suitable number of first aiders

First aid requirements will vary from one workplace to the next. To assess what a particular workplace's requirements are, they must consider the:

• type of work being carried out at the workplace
• type of hazards at the workplace
• size and location of the workplace
• number and makeup of workers and others at the workplace

Number of trained first aiders in the workplace?

The importance of trained first aiders in the workplace is often overlooked by employers. The following ratios are recommended:

• low risk workplaces – one first aider for every 50 workers
• high risk workplaces – one first aider for every 25 workers

We understand this can be confusing and daunting to an already busy workplace, so we're here to assist with determining your needs.

If you need specific advice or would like to discuss your risk assessment, please call one of our Safety Consultants on 1300 OHS RTW (1300 647 789).