How to Choose First Aid Kits for Work Vehicles

As a vehicle operator, it’s your responsibility to evaluate potential injury risks related to your vehicles’ use and take reasonable steps to minimize or eliminate those risks. One such step is ensuring that first aid equipment is readily available and accessible to all workers.

How to Choose a First Aid Kit for your work vehicle

When supplying a first aid kit for your work vehicle, consider the specific risks associated with how and where the vehicle is used, including passengers, bystanders, and customers, in addition to drivers.

Take into account the following risk factors for vehicle use:

• Identify potential sources of injuries arising from the nature of the work, including specific routes, distances traveled, and time of day the vehicle is used.
• Consider environmental factors, such as road and weather conditions, traffic, etc.
• Assess the scope of vehicle usage, capacity, and location when not in operation.

Ensure that your drivers and other staff receive adequate training on how to use the items in the first aid kit and how to respond in case of a serious injury or illness during travel. Also, provide drivers with reliable communication equipment and ensure they know how to contact emergency services.

Also, the Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2011 outlines the minimum requirements for a first aid kit in a work vehicle, which include:

• A sufficient quantity of a variety of first aid equipment suitable for the nature of the work and the number of employees.
• Clearly labeled and easily accessible to all employees.
• Maintained and restocked regularly, and the contents of the kit must not be past their expiry date.

For more information and to choose an Industry-specific First Aid Kit visit us at First Aid Kits Australia and search our wide range of First Aid Kits.

Benefits of having a well-stocked first aid kit

Having a well-stocked first aid kit in your work vehicle can make a significant difference in the outcome of an accident or medical emergency. Some of the benefits of having a well-stocked first aid kit includes:

Saves lives and reduces injuries: In an emergency, immediate treatment can save lives and prevent further injuries. A well-stocked first aid kit can provide the necessary equipment and supplies to treat injuries until emergency medical services arrive.

Promotes faster recovery: Having the right supplies and equipment available in a first aid kit can help to promote faster recovery from injuries. Immediate treatment can help to prevent the injury from worsening and reduce recovery time.

Reduces the risk of infection: A well-stocked first aid kit can help to prevent the risk of infection by providing necessary equipment such as gloves, disinfectants and antiseptic solutions.

Improves employee morale: By providing a well-stocked first aid kit, employers show their commitment to the health and safety of their employees. This can help to improve employee morale and create a positive work environment.

Useful Resources

There are many available resources to help you to adequately stock your vehicle’s First Aid Kit. Here are some useful links you can tap on:

• Vehicles as a Workplace – Work Health and Safety Guide (worksafe.qld.gov.au) Queensland Government
• First Aid Kits Australia. Here you can find useful information about how to choose a First Aid Kit that is right for your business and industry-specific.
• First Aid Kits Australia First Aid Tips. Subscribe for free and receive every month a new tip that you can share with your team. Subscribe to First Aid Tips (firstaidkitsaustralia.com.au)