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nerd alert – The Evolution of First Aid Kits in Mining. history and compliance help with top product recommendations from fast aid.
Table of Contents
From hanging lanterns and canaries in coal pits to high-tech trauma packs in 4WDs, first aid has come a long way.
I love me a good historical tale. From hanging lanterns and canaries in coal pits to high-tech trauma packs in 4WDs, first aid has come a long way. In the “You SO Smart” series, we’re looking at the hard-earned lessons of mining and heavy industry—and how Fast Aid’s Constructa Max range delivers everything you need, when you need it. And don’t forget: Red Shed isn’t just your supplier—it assists you with compliance by sourcing top products for your workplace.. With decades of experience in Australian mining and heavy-industry sites, our team helps you assess risks, select the right equipment, and stay audit-ready.
Over reading? Have a listen below
Historians all the way from America came to RED SHED to discuss all things "First Aid". No joke. Take a listen.
Pre-Industrial (before late 1700s)
Ad hoc mining—stone tools, no ventilation or rescue procedures; frequent gas explosions and cave-ins.
Industrial Revolution (late 1700s–1800s)
– Steam-powered ventilation introduced.
– 1815: Davy lamp prevents gas-ignited explosions.
– 1842: British Mines Act bans women/children under 10 underground.
– 1864: First Geneva Convention protects the Red Cross emblem.
Late 1800s–Early 1900s - canary is the hero
– 1896: Post-Tylorstown studies lead John Haldane to use canaries as early warning gas detectors in coal mines.
Early 20th Century (1900s–1960s)
– 1910: U.S. Federal Bureau of Mines established.
– Electric fans and trained rescue teams become standard.
– 1954–57: Federal specs for snake-bite kits and antiseptics.
– 1969: U.S. Coal Act mandates annual inspections and stronger enforcement.
Late 20th–Early 21st (1990s–2000s)
– 1990s: Trauma kits adopted by combat medics and law enforcement.
– 1998: Mercurochrome antiseptic banned over mercury concerns.
– 2001: Australia’s Mining & Quarrying Safety Regulation sets first-aid requirements.
Recent (2010s–Today)
– 2012: “Stop the Bleed” popularizes individual trauma kits.
– 2015: Historical analysis of 1840–1914 first-aid equipment published.
– 2023: U.S. mining fatalities spike—renewed focus on safety kits.
– Today: Digital risk assessments, VR training, real-time tracking and modern IFAKs (CPR shields, fluid barriers) dominate.
BONUS! FastAid’s Australian First Aid Compliance Guide
Bonus resource: Download the full FastAid “Complete Guide to Workplace First Aid Compliance” PDF for everything you need to know about meeting Australian WHS regulations.
Key Legal Takeaways
Who’s responsible?
Under the Work Health & Safety Act (WHS Act), the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) must ensure, “so far as is reasonably practicable,” that workers aren’t exposed to health and safety risks—this includes having adequate first aid equipment and trained personnel .Determining your kit size & type
FastAid’s flowchart shows you must consider:Number of people on site (1–10, 11–25, 26–50, etc.)
Risk level (low vs. high)
Work areas (multiple buildings, floors, vehicles)
Additional requirements (first aid room, defibrillator, signage) .
Signage & placement
Must use standardized AS 1319 first aid signs so kits and rooms are clearly visible.
Ensure a kit within 1 minute’s walking distance, at least one per storey/building and one vehicle kit per work truck .
First aid rooms & AEDs
Low-risk sites with 200+ people, or high-risk with 100+ people, require a dedicated first aid room.
AEDs are strongly recommended on any site where electrocution or large crowds pose extra risk .
Who stocks & inspects?
A designated “first aider” should restock after each use or at least annually.
Every check must be signed, dated, and verify expiry dates, seals, and overall kit integrity .
Trained First Aiders
Must be nationally accredited (or equivalent) and present in sufficient numbers:
Low risk: 1 per 50 workers
High risk: 1 per 25 workers
Remote: 1 per 10 workers .
Next Steps
Combine FastAid’s Constructa Max range with this compliance guide to cover all your bases—both practical and legal.
Ready to make sure you SO Smart and fully compliant? Reach out to our safety specialists at ✉️ [email protected] and we’ll tailor your solution—kits, rooms, AEDs, signage and all.
Stay safe. And smarter than the average canary. 🚀
Meet the Constructa Max range
Fast Aid kicks things off with their all-rounder Constructa Max kit—your “one-stop-shop” for cuts, crushes and cave-ins.
You’ll see:
- Modular design: Snap-in compartments let you tailor your kit for site-specific hazards (snakes, rockfalls, rogue forklifts—you name it).
- Compliance zones: Colour-coded trays aligned with the Australian Model Code of Practice requirements, so you tick off your audit checklist in one go.
- Built-in inspection tags: Fresh-date stickers to keep your kit up to scratch—and our Red Shed specialists can even set you up on an automated restock reminder.
- Why it’s clever: digital-style organisation meets old-school toughness—perfect for outback drills or underground drills alike. And if you’re unsure which modules you need, Red Shed’s on-site assessment service will pinpoint exactly what belongs in your kit.
Top 5 first aid items for Construction sites:
Construction and mining sites throw up all kinds of curveballs. This vid breaks down the five absolute must-haves:
- Trauma shears: Cuts through denim, leather and pesky cable ties in a flash.
- Burn gel packs: Because hot steel or molten metal isn’t just a cardio workout—it’s ouch city.
- CPR face shield: Protect your lips (and theirs) when the going gets critical.
- Snake-bite pressure bandage: Australia 🤝 snakes—let’s keep it friendly.
- Emergency Foil Blanket: Chill out after heat exhaustion or wrap IR-style for shock management.
Meet the Vehicle Max Range
Whether you’re barreling down the Stuart Highway or parked at a mine camp, your rig needs a kit that handles dust, mud—and the odd head-knock. Vehicle Max brings:
- Ruggedised case: Dust-proof, water-resistant, drop-tested to survive a kangaroo encounter (or a really bad pun).
- Auto-stretch bandages & splints: For on-the-fly immobilisation—ideal when the nearest hospital is a sunrise away.
- High-visibility sign: Flag down help or cordon off a spill site in true “safety first” fashion.
Why it’s smarrrrt - no more rummaging under the driver’s seat at 3 AM in the dark—everything’s laid out in mission-ready fashion.
Understanding Australian Workplace First Aid Compliance
- Know your regs before you regret them!
- Fast Aid’s compliance guru walks through:
- The Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Regulation 2001 requirements for on-site medical treatment and facilities.
- How Resources Safety & Health Queensland bulletins (like Mines Bulletin 52) spotlight first aid shortfalls—and how to avoid being the next case study.
- Best practices for training, kit maintenance and record-keeping, so you’ll sail through any inspector’s checklist.
Pro-tip: Keep your inspection tags current and your team trained yearly—or you may find yourself in next month’s safety bulletin. If you need refresher courses or audit-ready documentation, Red Shed’s network of qualified trainers and custom reporting templates has your back.
