Best Practices for First Aid Kits in Warehouses

Date Posted:16 October 2025 

Don’t risk being unprepared. Learn best practices for first aid kits in warehouses to protect workers and comply with safety regulations.

Why First Aid Kits Are Critical in Warehouse Environments

Warehouses are dynamic and often hazardous workplaces. With heavy machinery, forklifts, shelving systems, and manual handling activities, the risk of injury is significantly higher than in office-based settings. Common incidents include cuts, crush injuries, sprains, and even chemical exposure.

In these fast-paced environments, immediate access to a well-stocked first aid kit can be the difference between a minor injury and a serious medical emergency. A prompt response also limits downtime and ensures compliance with Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) regulations, which mandate that first aid equipment must be accessible, suitable for the risks, and clearly signed.

Beyond legal obligations, having visible and well-maintained first aid kits helps build a culture of safety. It shows that you value your workers' wellbeing, something that can positively impact morale and productivity across your team.

constructa medic kit metal wall mount warehouse with first aid safety sign

Common Workplace Injuries in Warehouses

Warehouses present a wide range of potential injury types due to the varied tasks performed within them. Here are some of the most common:

  • Cuts and abrasions: Often caused by sharp packaging tools, broken pallets, or unguarded edges on shelving or machinery.

  • Sprains and strains: Frequently occur when lifting, stacking, or moving heavy loads incorrectly or without mechanical aid.

  • Forklift-related injuries: These include crush injuries, foot impacts, and collisions—especially in shared pedestrian/forklift areas. Installing safety barriers and security bollards alongside first aid kits helps reduce these risks significantly.

  • Eye injuries: Dust, wood splinters, or chemical splashes can cause eye irritation or damage, particularly in unpacking or processing zones.

  • Slips, trips, and falls: Resulting from wet surfaces, misplaced tools, or uneven flooring—especially near loading docks or entryways.

  • Burns or chemical exposure: In warehouses handling flammable goods, industrial cleaners, or batteries, chemical burns can be a serious concern.

Having the right first aid resources readily available is key to managing these types of incidents effectively.

 

What Should Be in a Warehouse First Aid Kit?

A warehouse first aid kit should include general first aid supplies along with items that address the specific risks of an industrial environment.

Basic Items

  • Adhesive bandages (Band-Aids)

  • Sterile wound dressings

  • Antiseptic wipes

  • Non-stick pads

  • Disposable gloves

  • Tape and scissors

Gloves and other PPE clothing and safety gear should always complement your first aid kit to keep responders safe during treatment.

Industrial-Specific Supplies

  • Burn gel and burn dressings

  • Saline solution for wound or eye irrigation

  • Trauma dressings for heavy bleeding

  • Eye wash bottles and pods

  • Snake bite bandages (particularly in regional or outdoor warehouses)

Emergency Equipment

  • CPR mask or resuscitation face shield

  • Emergency thermal blanket

  • First aid manual or step-by-step guide

These kits should be tailored to the size and activity of the warehouse, and replenished regularly to remain effective. As a trusted partner, Verdex supports warehouses nationwide with compliant safety gear and expert advice.

first aid kit bag constructa medic wall mount workplace room

 

Where to Locate First Aid Kits in a Warehouse

Proper placement of first aid kits is just as important as their contents. WHS guidelines stress that kits must be clearly visible, unobstructed, and signed with appropriate first aid signage. Pairing kits with workplace safety signage ensures they can be found quickly in an emergency.

Strategic locations include:

  • Loading bays – where manual handling and forklift activity are highest

  • Administrative or office areas – for easy access by supervisors or first aid officers

  • Lunchrooms or break areas – where minor kitchen accidents may occur

  • Designated first aid rooms – for larger facilities that require dedicated treatment spaces

Additionally, portable kits can be mounted on forklifts or carried by mobile staff working across large or multiple warehouse zones.

Clear signage and unobstructed access are crucial during emergencies, when every second counts.

first aid kit bag constructa medic wall mount office kitchen

Why You Should Choose Industrial-Grade First Aid Kits

Unlike standard retail kits, industrial-grade first aid kits are purpose-built to suit demanding workplaces like warehouses.

Here’s why they’re essential:

  • Built for durability – Often enclosed in metal or heavy-duty plastic cases that withstand dusty, wet, or rugged environments.

  • Comprehensive contents – Covering more than just cuts and bruises, they include trauma supplies, burn care, and CPR equipment

  • WHS-compliant – Industrial kits meet or exceed Safe Work Australia’s First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice.

At Verdex, we offer warehouse-specific kits that are pre-packed, compliant, and available in various configurations—from wall-mounted cabinets to portable kits for mobile teams. We also provide restocking supplies and customised solutions tailored to your specific layout and risks.

Extra Items to Consider

In addition to your first aid kits, the following equipment can greatly improve warehouse emergency preparedness:

  • AED (Automated External Defibrillator) – Life-saving in cardiac emergencies, especially in large facilities

  • Eyewash stations – For fast response to dust or chemical exposure

  • Extra PPE – Such as face masks, gloves, and spill containment gear

These items provide added layers of safety and may be required under your site’s WHS risk assessment.

 

Keep Your Warehouse Prepared with First Aid Kits

Verdex offers first aid kits specifically designed for warehouse and industrial environments across Australia. We understand the hazards you face daily—whether it’s forklift traffic, chemical exposure, or manual handling injuries.

Our kits are:

  • Built tough for Australian workplaces

  • Fully compliant with WHS guidelines

  • Available in various sizes and formats

  • Easy to install and restock

Get in touch with the Verdex team today to discuss your site’s needs or arrange a quote. We also supply a full range of safety gear, including bollards, spill control, PPE, signage, and more to help you maintain a safe, compliant facility.

 

Get in Touch with Verdex

At Verdex, we provide first aid kits and safety solutions designed specifically for warehouse and industrial environments. Our team can help you choose the right kit for your site and keep your workplace compliant.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How many first aid kits should a warehouse have?

It depends on the warehouse size, number of staff, and specific hazards. As a general rule, large or multi-zone facilities should have multiple kits placed in high-traffic and high-risk areas.

Are warehouse-specific kits different from standard ones?

Yes. Warehouse kits are designed for industrial risks and contain more robust supplies like trauma dressings, burn gels, and CPR gear. Standard retail kits are often insufficient for these environments.

How often should warehouse first aid kits be checked?

Kits should be inspected at least every 3 months, and immediately after any use. Expired, damaged, or missing items must be replaced to maintain compliance and effectiveness.

Can we include medication in the kit?

WHS guidelines discourage including medication (such as painkillers) due to legal and liability concerns. However, a first aid officer may choose to carry certain medications separately under proper policies.

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