WHS Compliance Guide
Workplace First Aid Requirements
by State — Australia 2026
Australia's WHS laws are mostly harmonised across states — but there are differences, especially for high-risk industries. This guide covers what every Australian employer needs to know about first aid kit requirements in their state.
The National Baseline
What Every Australian Employer Must Provide
All states except Victoria and Western Australia have adopted the model Work Health and Safety Act — which means the same baseline applies across NSW, QLD, SA, TAS, NT, and ACT. Victoria and WA have their own legislation but require essentially the same provisions.
First Aid Kit
A first aid kit stocked with equipment appropriate to the hazards of your workplace. Must be accessible to all workers at all times.
Trained First Aider
At least one person with current first aid training per workplace. High-risk workplaces require more — typically 1 per 10–25 workers.
Regular Inspection
Kits must be checked and restocked regularly. Annual minimum — more frequently for active worksites where kits are regularly accessed.
New South Wales
Regulator: SafeWork NSW
General Workplaces
Model WHS Act adopted — national baseline applies
Low-risk: 1 first aider per 50 workers
High-risk: 1 first aider per 10–25 workers
Mining & Construction
Additional obligations under WHS (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Act 2013
First aid at every work location — not just the site office
First aiders required on every shift
Victoria
Regulator: WorkSafe Victoria
General Workplaces
Governed by Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004
Provisions substantially similar to national model WHS
First aid kit required and accessible at all workplaces
Construction
High-risk construction work requires additional first aid provisions
Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) must address first aid
Mobile workers: kit required in every work vehicle
Queensland
Regulator: Workplace Health and Safety Queensland
General Workplaces
Model WHS Act adopted — national baseline applies
Remote workers: additional first aid requirements apply
Workers more than 1hr from medical care: advanced first aid required
Mining
Separate legislation: Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999
Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act 1999 for non-coal
Stricter requirements — check with your site's Safety Management System
Western Australia
Regulator: WorkSafe WA
General Workplaces
Governed by Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (adopted model WHS)
National baseline applies for general workplaces
Remote areas: additional provisions strongly recommended
Mining
Separate legislation: Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994
First aid at every work area — not just the site office
FIFO and remote operations: advanced first aid training required
Trade Aid Kits is based in Perth, WA. We know WA's requirements well and are happy to help businesses across the state get their first aid setup right. Contact us with any questions.
South Australia
Regulator: SafeWork SA
General Workplaces
Model WHS Act adopted — national baseline applies
Construction and high-risk: same provisions as national framework
Mobile workers: first aid kit required in every work vehicle
Key Requirement
First aid kit contents must be appropriate to the specific hazards of the workplace
Generic kits may not satisfy the obligation for high-risk workplaces
Tasmania
Regulator: WorkSafe Tasmania
General Workplaces
Model WHS Act adopted — national baseline applies
Construction, forestry, and agriculture carry additional high-risk provisions
Remote work: advanced first aid provisions apply
Key Requirement
First aid facilities must account for distance from emergency services
Forestry and remote construction: kit at every work location
Ready to Get Compliant?
Trade Aid Kits are ARTG-registered and stocked to meet Safe Work Australia's requirements for high-risk workplaces across all states. Free shipping Australia-wide.