Article: How Many First Aiders Do You Need on a Construction Site? (Australia)
How Many First Aiders Do You Need on a Construction Site? (Australia)
It's one of the most commonly Googled WHS questions in Australian construction — and the answer is simpler than most people think. But there are a few details that catch site managers out, particularly around shift coverage and remote site requirements.
The Short Answer
For a construction site in Australia, Safe Work Australia's Code of Practice recommends a minimum of 1 trained first aider for every 25 workers in a high-risk workplace.
Construction is explicitly classified as high-risk under Australian WHS regulations — so this ratio applies to virtually every construction site regardless of size.
The Details That Catch People Out
This is the most common mistake. If you have 50 workers across two shifts of 25, you need a trained first aider present on each shift — not just one person for the whole site. If your first aider is on the morning shift and an injury happens in the afternoon, you're non-compliant.
If your site is in a location where emergency services response time exceeds approximately 15 minutes, the recommended ratio increases to 1 first aider per 10 workers. This reflects the extended time before professional medical help can arrive.
If you have fewer than 25 workers, you still need at least one trained first aider. The ratio sets the minimum frequency — not a minimum headcount before the requirement kicks in.
Your designated first aider calling in sick doesn't remove your compliance obligation. Best practice is to have multiple trained first aiders on each site so coverage is maintained even when individuals are absent or on leave.
The Required Qualification — HLTAID011
The nationally recognised first aid qualification in Australia is HLTAID011 Provide First Aid (previously known as Apply First Aid or Senior First Aid). This is the minimum qualification required for a designated workplace first aider.
- Typically completed in one day through a registered training organisation (RTO)
- Includes CPR, management of bleeding, burns, fractures, and medical emergencies
- The CPR component must be renewed annually
- The full HLTAID011 qualification is valid for 3 years
- Refresher courses are available and recommended before expiry
A trained first aider without a properly stocked kit is significantly limited in what they can do. The qualification teaches the skills — the kit provides the tools. Make sure your trained first aiders have a proper construction-grade kit accessible to them on every shift.
First Aiders Need Proper Kits
For construction sites, the kit needs to match the environment — a durable, weatherproof kit with clearly labelled compartments and supplies appropriate for high-risk workplace injuries.
If you're equipping your site properly, the recommendation is one kit per designated first aider — particularly if they're working across different areas of the site. For large sites, multiple kits at accessible locations throughout the site is best practice.
State and Territory Regulators
While Safe Work Australia sets the national model WHS laws, first aid requirements are ultimately regulated at the state and territory level. Always check with your relevant regulator for the specific requirements that apply in your jurisdiction:
Quick summary
- Minimum 1 trained first aider per 25 workers on a construction site
- Remote sites: 1 per 10 workers where response time exceeds ~15 minutes
- Ratios apply per shift — not per site per day
- Required qualification: HLTAID011 Provide First Aid (valid 3 years)
- CPR component must be renewed annually
- Plan for absences — have more than the minimum trained on each site
Equip your trained first aiders with kits built for the job. Durable, organised, and construction-ready.
Shop construction kits →This article provides general information based on Safe Work Australia guidelines. Requirements vary by state and territory. Consult your relevant WHS regulator for advice specific to your worksite.
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