Workplace First Aid Requirements Australia

Overview

Under Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) law, every person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must ensure adequate first aid provisions are available at each workplace. This includes first aid kits, trained first aiders, and emergency planning.

Requirements are 92% harmonised across all states and territories, based on the Safe Work Australia Model Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace (July 2019). Each state has adopted this nationally, with minor procedural variations.

First Aider Ratios — All States

The number of trained first aiders required depends on your risk level and headcount. These ratios are consistent across all Australian jurisdictions:

Every workplace must have at least 1 trained first aider, regardless of size. Use our free calculator to determine your requirement.

Training Qualifications

First aiders must hold nationally recognised qualifications delivered by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO):

First Aid Kit Requirements

• Minimum 1 kit per workplace — every workplace must have at least one.
• Contents are guidance-based — the Model COP provides a suggested minimum contents list, but employers should adapt kits based on a risk assessment.
• Kits must be accessible — within a 2-minute walk, clearly signed, and not locked.
• Regular inspection — quarterly (every 90 days) is the recommended minimum.

See what should be in a first aid kit for the complete suggested contents checklist.

Inspection & Maintenance

See our inspection checklist for a step-by-step guide.

Emergency Plans

All Australian states require a workplace emergency plan under WHS Regulations r.43. The plan must include:

• Emergency procedures for evacuation
• Notifiable incident procedures
• First aid arrangements
• Communication plans
• Testing and review procedures
• Training for workers

First Aid Room

A dedicated first aid room is recommended when your workforce exceeds:

• 200+ workers — low-risk workplaces
• 100+ workers — high-risk workplaces

The room should be close to high-risk work areas, clearly signed, and equipped with bed, wash basin, telephone, and appropriate first aid supplies.

State-by-State Guides

While requirements are largely identical, each state has its own regulator, legislation references, and Code of Practice. Select your state for a detailed guide: