Legislation & Code of Practice
Primary Legislation
WHS Regulation 2011 Chapter 3 Part 3
Requires PCBUs (employers) to ensure adequate first aid provisions are available at every workplace.
Code of Practice
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland — Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace (2021)
Provides practical guidance on how to comply with first aid obligations. While not mandatory, courts may reference CoPs as evidence of what is reasonably practicable.
First Aider Ratios
The number of trained first aiders required depends on your workplace risk level and headcount. Queensland follows the Safe Work Australia Model Code of Practice ratios:
| Risk Level | Ratio | Min. | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Risk | 1 per 50 workers | 1 | Offices, retail, education |
| High Risk | 1 per 25 workers | 1 | Agriculture, manufacturing, construction |
| Remote High Risk | 1 per 10 workers | 1 | Remote agricultural, mining |
Use our free calculator to check your workplace's first aider requirement instantly.
Quick Reference
Kit Inspection Interval
CoP 2021 requires regular checking and restocking. Quarterly minimum recommended.
First Aid Certificate Validity
HLTAID011 Provide First Aid must be renewed every 3 years.
CPR Refresh Interval
HLTAID009 Provide CPR requires annual competency refresh.
Record Keeping
WHS Regulation 2011 r.592. Records of incidents must be kept for at least 5 years.
First Aid Kit Requirements
Every workplace in Queensland must have at least 1 first aid kit. Additional kits should be provided based on workplace size, layout, and hazards present.
Contents Standard
WorkSafe QLD CoP: First Aid in the Workplace (2021), Schedule 1
Kit contents are guidance-based (suggested, not mandatory). The Code of Practice provides a suggested minimum contents list that should be adapted based on your workplace risk assessment.
Training Requirements
First aiders in Queensland must hold the following nationally recognised qualifications:
| Qualification | Code | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Provide First Aid | HLTAID011 | 36 months (3 years) |
| Provide CPR | HLTAID009 | 12 months (annual refresh) |
These are units of competency under the Australian Qualifications Framework and must be delivered by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
Emergency Plan
✅ Required
WHS Regulation 2011 Chapter 3 Part 3 r.43. Emergency plan for each workplace. Must be tested and reviewed.
First Aid Room
A dedicated first aid room is recommended when your workforce exceeds:
Low-Risk Workplaces
Offices, retail, call centres
High-Risk Workplaces
Factories, construction, manufacturing
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
💡 Recommended — Not Legally Required
Not mandatory. CoP recommends consideration in emergency first aid plan based on risk assessment.
Notifiable Incidents
WHS Act 2011 (QLD) Part 3 ss.35-39. Death, serious injury/illness, dangerous incidents. Must notify Workplace Health and Safety Queensland immediately by phone (1300 362 128).
Fire Safety
Emergency plan must address fire emergencies. Fire safety standards under Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008.
Compare Other States
Sources & References
- WorkSafe QLD — Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace (2021)
- WHS Act 2011 (QLD) Part 3 — Incident Notification ss.35-39
- WHS Regulation 2011 (QLD) Chapter 3 Part 3 r.42-43
- Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008 (QLD)
- https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/72631/first-aid-in-the-workplace-cop-2021.pdf
- https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/safety-and-prevention/creating-safe-work/managing-risks/first-aid-and-emergency-plans
- https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/laws-and-compliance/codes-of-practice
- https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/model-work-health-and-safety-act
- https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/sl-2008-0160
- https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/emergency-plans-fact-sheet
- https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/safety-and-prevention/hazards/workplace-hazards/agriculture/emergency-preparedness-and-first-aid
- https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/resources/guides/if-an-injury-or-illness-occurs
- https://education.qld.gov.au/initiativesstrategies/Documents/first-aid-officers-selecting-training-number-workplace.pdf
- https://www.ohsrep.org.au/first_aid_what_are_the_requirements
- https://www.qld.gov.au/emergency/emergencies-services/first-aid/course-information/public-courses/provide-first-aid-hltaid011
- https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/safety-fundamentals/safe-working-environment/template
- https://ablis.business.gov.au/service/qld/first-aid-in-the-workplace-code-of-practice-2014/42261
This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult Workplace Health and Safety Queensland or a qualified WHS professional for definitive compliance guidance. Last reviewed March 2026.
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