Should medicines be kept in a workplace first aid kit?

Paracetamol and aspirin can cause unwanted reactions, so the model recommendation is to leave them out of shared workplace kits. People who need their own medicines should bring them for personal use.

Emergency asthma and allergy supplies

A workplace may consider keeping a reliever inhaler and spacer for asthma attacks, or an adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injector for anaphylaxis or severe allergy. Store them as the manufacturer directs and make sure first aiders are trained to use them.

What if you’re in Victoria?

In Victoria, employers should consider keeping dissolvable aspirin for chest pain; it should be given only on the instruction of Ambulance Victoria or a registered health professional. Mild pain relief can also be included if the employer considers it necessary and controls access.

For other supplies, see what belongs in a workplace first aid kit. For kit checks and restocking, read who looks after the kit.