You've been working for yourself for a while, the jobs keep coming in, and it's finally time to bring on an apprentice or another tradie. Before their first day, there's one thing worth checking: your first aid setup.
When you hire your first employee, you need to make sure they can access appropriate first aid equipment, facilities and trained first aid assistance while working. You don't automatically need another kit simply because you've hired someone, but your existing arrangements must suit the work, the people involved and where they're working.
When you're a sole trader, it's easy to keep everything in your own ute. Your tools, PPE, first aid kit and other gear are usually wherever you are.
Things can change once you bring another person into the business.
Your apprentice might be working in the workshop while you're collecting materials. Another tradie might take a separate vehicle to a different job. Suddenly, the first aid kit that's always been behind your passenger seat isn't necessarily accessible to everyone.
Here's what to sort out before your small business starts growing.
1. Make Sure Your Employee Can Actually Access First Aid
Australian WHS requirements call for appropriate first aid arrangements based on the hazards, workers and location of the workplace.
Safe Work Australia recommends keeping first aid kits where workers can see and access them quickly, including inside work vehicles when employees travel for their jobs.
For a small trade business, this means thinking about where your new employee will actually spend their day.
If they're always working beside you, an appropriately stocked and accessible shared kit may form part of your first aid arrangements.
If they're regularly working in another location or travelling in a separate vehicle, you'll need to consider how they can access first aid without relying on you being there.
2. Don't Assume the Main Construction Site Has Everything Covered
If you've hired an apprentice who will mainly work on larger construction sites, there may already be first aid kits, trained first aiders and emergency arrangements available.
But don't just assume those arrangements are suitable.
Find out where the first aid equipment is, who the trained first aiders are and whether your workers can access help throughout their shifts.
Businesses working together on a site can share appropriate first aid arrangements, but they still need to coordinate their responsibilities.
We explain this in more detail in our guide to first aid requirements for subcontractors .
3. Check Whether Your Existing First Aid Kit Is Still Suitable
Hiring someone doesn't automatically mean buying the biggest first aid kit you can find.
Start with what you've already got.
Before taking on another worker, check that your existing first aid kit is stocked, accessible and appropriate for the work.
Open your existing kit and check the contents. Are the dressings and bandages suitable for the injuries that could occur? Are supplies missing or expired? Is the bag still in good condition?
The type of work matters more than simply counting employees. A two-person crew doing general property maintenance may have different first aid needs from a two-person crew performing higher-risk work with cutting equipment, hazardous chemicals or remote travel.
Our first aid kit contents checklist can help you review what you're carrying.
4. Think About First Aid Training
Having the equipment is only part of the setup. Someone also needs to be able to provide appropriate first aid.
Australian WHS guidance recommends access to trained first aiders, with the number and level of training based on the workplace's risks and circumstances.
For a small trade business, this might mean arranging training for yourself or an employee, or confirming that appropriate trained first aid assistance is reliably available through shared workplace arrangements.
Don't assume an apprentice knows how to respond to a serious injury simply because they've completed a general site induction.
It's worth having a conversation about emergency procedures before their first day on the tools.
5. Give Someone Responsibility for Checking the Kit
This is a small detail that can make a big difference.
When you're working alone, you generally know if you've used the last few bandaids or taken a dressing out of the kit.
Once other people start using it, supplies can disappear without you knowing.
Decide who will check the kit, replace used supplies and make sure everything is still accessible.
You don't need an elaborate spreadsheet for a two-person business. A simple contents checklist and a consistent inspection routine may be enough, provided they suit your workplace.
First Aid Checklist Before Your New Employee Starts
- Check the first aid equipment you already have
- Make sure supplies reflect the hazards of your work
- Confirm your employee can access first aid wherever they work
- Review first aid arrangements for separate work vehicles
- Identify who can provide trained first aid assistance
- Explain emergency procedures and how to call for help
- Show your employee where first aid supplies are kept
- Assign responsibility for inspections and restocking
It's a straightforward conversation to have when somebody joins the business, and it becomes easier to manage as you take on more workers.
Do You Need Another First Aid Kit When You Hire Someone?
Not automatically.
The important question is whether your new employee can access appropriate first aid while they're working.
If you and your apprentice work together in one location, a shared first aid setup may be appropriate.
If you're regularly travelling to separate jobs, working from different vehicles or spending time away from established site facilities, additional portable kits may be a practical solution.
For more detail, read our guide to how many first aid kits your business needs .
First Aid for Growing Trade Businesses
Trade Aid Kits offers portable first aid options for tradies, apprentices, work vehicles and workshops.
The Compact Kit is a smaller option for mobile workers, while the Classic Kit provides a broader range of supplies for larger worksite setups.
If you're fitting out multiple workers or vehicles, explore our business and bulk first aid supply options .
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a new first aid kit when I hire my first apprentice?
Not necessarily. Review your existing arrangements to confirm that your apprentice has appropriate access to first aid. An additional kit may be needed if workers operate separately or cannot reliably access the existing equipment.
Does an apprentice need first aid training?
Not every apprentice is automatically required to hold an individual first aid certificate. The business must assess its first aid arrangements, including access to appropriately trained first aiders and any additional training requirements relevant to the work or site.
Can two tradies share one first aid kit?
Yes, where that arrangement provides suitable and reliable access to first aid for both workers. If they work in different locations or vehicles, additional equipment may be necessary.
This article provides general information and is not legal or workplace-specific WHS advice. First aid arrangements must reflect the hazards, workers, location and applicable WHS requirements. For more information, refer to Safe Work Australia and the relevant state or territory WHS regulator.