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First Aid Equipment
Workers need access to appropriate first aid equipment, including first aid kits suited to the risks and needs of the workplace.
Australian Workplace First Aid Guide
Workplace First Aid Requirements In Australia.
Understand the workplace first aid requirements in Australia, including first aid kits, facilities, trained first aiders and how requirements differ across each state and territory. This guide explains the national framework and helps Australian businesses understand what should be considered when planning first aid for their workplace.
First Aid Kits
Trained First Aiders
First Aid Facilities
State & Territory Guidance
Equipment
Appropriate first aid supplies
Access
Available when workers need it
Facilities
Suitable for the workplace
First Aiders
Adequate trained personnel
Australian First Aid Requirements
What Are the Workplace First Aid Requirements in Australia?
Australian workplaces need appropriate first aid equipment, facilities and access to trained first aiders. The exact first aid arrangements required depend on the workplace, including its hazards, workforce, size and location.
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Accessible First Aid
First aid equipment needs to be accessible when it is required. Location and access should be considered for different work areas, shifts and mobile or remote workers.
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First Aid Facilities
Workplaces need access to appropriate facilities for administering first aid, with the level of provision determined by the nature and risks of the workplace.
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Trained First Aiders
Workers need access to an adequate number of people trained to administer first aid, taking the workplace and its operating conditions into account.
The Key Principle
First Aid Is Risk Based.
There is no single first aid setup that is automatically suitable for every Australian workplace. When determining first aid arrangements, businesses should consider factors including:
The nature of the work and workplace hazards
The number of workers and other people present
The size, layout and number of work areas
The location of the workplace
Mobile, travelling, isolated or remote workers
Access to emergency services and medical assistance
Important: workplace first aid arrangements should be based on your specific workplace and the requirements that apply in your state or territory. The sections below explain the relevant guidance across Australia.
State & Territory Guide
Workplace First Aid Requirements by State & Territory
First aid obligations are administered by workplace safety regulators in each Australian state and territory. Select your jurisdiction below to see the relevant first aid framework and guidance.
Why requirements vary: most Australian jurisdictions operate under laws based on the model Work Health and Safety framework, while Victoria operates under its own occupational health and safety legislation. Always refer to the regulator in your jurisdiction when determining the requirements for your workplace.
State First Aid Requirements
First Aid Requirements in NSW, Victoria, Queensland & WA
The underlying principles are similar across Australia, but each jurisdiction has its own legislation, regulator and guidance. Here is what businesses should know in four of Australia's largest jurisdictions.
NSW
New South Wales
Regulator: SafeWork NSW
In New South Wales, workplace first aid is regulated under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and associated WHS Regulations. SafeWork NSW also provides a First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice to help businesses determine suitable first aid arrangements.
Provide appropriate first aid equipment for the workplace.
Ensure workers can access first aid equipment.
Provide access to facilities for administering first aid.
Ensure access to an adequate number of trained first aiders.
First aider guidance: SafeWork NSW publishes guidance ratios of approximately 1 first aider per 50 workers in low-risk workplaces, 1 per 25 in high-risk workplaces and 1 per 10 in remote high-risk workplaces. Other workplace factors may mean additional first aiders are appropriate.
VIC
Victoria
Regulator: WorkSafe Victoria
Victoria does not operate under the model WHS laws. Workplace first aid obligations sit within the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and Victoria's occupational health and safety framework. WorkSafe Victoria's First Aid in the Workplace Compliance Code 2021 provides practical guidance for employers.
Assess the first aid needs of the workplace.
Provide suitable first aid kits and equipment.
Determine appropriate first aid officers and training.
Consider whether first aid rooms or additional facilities are needed.
Important difference: WorkSafe Victoria's Compliance Code provides both a prescribed approach and a risk-assessment approach for determining first aid arrangements. Businesses should assess which approach is appropriate for their workplace.
QLD
Queensland
Regulator: Workplace Health and Safety Queensland
Queensland workplaces operate under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and associated regulations. Employers need first aid arrangements and emergency plans suitable for their workplace.
First aid equipment must be provided and accessible.
Appropriate first aid facilities must be available.
An adequate number of workers or other persons must be trained in first aid.
First aid arrangements should reflect workplace risks and operating conditions.
What determines the setup: Workplace Health and Safety Queensland advises businesses to consider the nature of the work, hazards present, and the size, location, number and composition of people at the workplace.
WA
Western Australia
Regulator: WorkSafe WA
Western Australia operates under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020. Its workplace first aid framework closely aligns with the national model WHS approach, with additional regulations applying to particular industries including mining.
Provide suitable first aid equipment.
Ensure workers can access first aid equipment when needed.
Provide appropriate facilities for administering first aid.
Ensure access to an adequate number of trained first aiders.
Mining workplaces: WorkSafe WA's First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice applies to workplaces covered by both the Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022 and the Work Health and Safety (Mines) Regulations 2022. Mining operations should also consider first aid within their broader emergency and mine safety arrangements.
This guide provides a practical overview only. Businesses should refer to the current legislation, codes and regulator guidance that apply to their workplace and industry when determining their first aid arrangements.
State & Territory First Aid Requirements
First Aid Requirements in SA, Tasmania, ACT & NT
South Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory operate under workplace health and safety frameworks based on the model WHS laws. The first aid arrangements required still depend on the risks and circumstances of each workplace.
SA
South Australia
Regulator: SafeWork SA
South Australian workplaces operate under the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 and Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012. Businesses must provide first aid arrangements that are appropriate for the workplace and the risks workers may be exposed to.
Provide appropriate first aid equipment.
Ensure workers can access first aid equipment.
Provide access to suitable facilities for administering first aid.
Ensure access to an adequate number of trained first aiders.
Determining your first aid needs: SafeWork SA recommends assessing factors such as the nature of the work, workplace hazards, workforce size and workplace location when determining first aid equipment and arrangements.
TAS
Tasmania
Regulator: WorkSafe Tasmania
Tasmania operates under the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 and associated WHS Regulations. The state's First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice provides practical guidance for determining suitable first aid arrangements.
Provide appropriate first aid equipment for workers.
Ensure first aid equipment is accessible when required.
Provide appropriate first aid facilities.
Ensure access to an adequate number of trained first aiders.
Risk-based approach: the appropriate number, type and location of first aid kits and trained first aiders should reflect the hazards, workforce and circumstances of the workplace rather than relying on one setup for every business.
ACT
Australian Capital Territory
Regulator: WorkSafe ACT
ACT workplaces operate under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011. The ACT also has an approved First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice providing guidance on workplace first aid arrangements.
Provide appropriate first aid equipment.
Make first aid equipment accessible to workers.
Provide access to appropriate first aid facilities.
Provide access to an adequate number of trained first aiders.
What should be considered: first aid arrangements should take account of workplace hazards, the nature of the work, workplace size and location, and the number and composition of people at the workplace.
NT
Northern Territory
Regulator: NT WorkSafe
Northern Territory workplaces operate under the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011 and associated Regulations. NT WorkSafe also provides an approved First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice for businesses determining their first aid arrangements.
Provide suitable first aid equipment.
Ensure workers have access to first aid equipment.
Provide access to appropriate first aid facilities.
Ensure access to an adequate number of trained first aiders.
Remote workplaces: workplace location is an important consideration when planning first aid. Businesses with remote or isolated workers should consider how quickly workers can access first aid and emergency medical assistance when determining their arrangements.
Workplace first aid laws, codes and regulator guidance can change. Businesses should check the current requirements issued by their state or territory regulator and consider the specific risks of their workplace.
First Aider Guidance
How Many First Aiders Does a Workplace Need?
The number of trained first aiders a workplace needs depends on its risks, workforce, location and operating conditions. The model first aid guidance provides the following recommended ratios as a starting point.
Low Risk
1 : 50
One first aider per 50 workers
High Risk
1 : 25
One first aider per 25 workers
Remote High Risk
1 : 10
One first aider per 10 workers
These are recommended guidance ratios rather than a universal legal minimum. Different arrangements may be appropriate depending on your workplace and the requirements that apply in your state or territory.
Read Our Full First Aider Guide →Victoria operates under its own OHS framework and provides separate guidance for determining first aid officer numbers.
Common First Aid Questions
Other Workplace First Aid Requirements to Consider
First aid requirements extend beyond simply having a kit on site. These are some of the most common questions Australian businesses should consider when planning their workplace first aid arrangements.
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How Many First Aid Kits Does a Workplace Need?
There is no universal rule requiring one first aid kit for every set number of workers. The number and location of kits should reflect your workplace size, layout, hazards and how quickly workers can access first aid supplies.
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Do Work Vehicles Need First Aid Kits?
Mobile workers and work vehicles should be considered when assessing first aid access. Safe Work Australia guidance says first aid kits should be kept inside work vehicles where workers travel as part of their job.
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How Often Should First Aid Kits Be Checked?
Workplace first aid kits should be maintained and checked regularly, including after supplies have been used. Businesses should replace used, damaged or expired items so kits remain ready when required.
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What Should Be Inside a Workplace First Aid Kit?
Kit contents should reflect the risks identified in your workplace. A suitable workplace kit generally includes supplies for common injuries such as cuts, wounds, burns, eye injuries and other foreseeable incidents.
The appropriate first aid arrangements depend on your workplace and applicable state or territory requirements. The linked guides provide more detailed information on each topic.
Workplace First Aid
Equip Your Workplace For When It Counts.
Once you have assessed your workplace first aid needs, make sure workers have access to appropriate first aid supplies. Trade Aid Kits are designed for Australian worksites, trades, vehicles and mobile crews, with tough, organised kit options for different workplace setups.
Equipping Multiple Workers or Locations?
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Business First Aid Supply
For larger orders, mixed kit requirements or ongoing workplace supply, our business ordering service can help you organise first aid kits and refills across crews, vehicles and work locations.
Important: Trade Aid Kits provides general workplace first aid information only. First aid requirements depend on your workplace, risks and jurisdiction. Refer to your state or territory regulator and applicable legislation, regulations and codes when determining your workplace first aid arrangements.