Work Health and Safety Act 2011  The aim of the Act is to provide all workers in Australia with the same standard of health and safety protection regardless of the work they do or where they work. 

Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 The WHS Regulations support the Act and cover specific aspects of WHS in detail, including first-aid requirements  and training, notification of accidents and incidents, and WHS record-keeping.

Codes of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace provides guidance on how to comply with the WHS Act and Regulations.  It includes information on  •  First Aid Kits •  Training •  Procedures and Facilities.  

Legislative requirements vary across States and Territories, more information can be found here.  Penalties may apply if workplaces are found not following the WHS ACT or Regulation.

The information is of a general recommendation and should not be used as a substitute for information provided by your local State or Territory Work Health & Safety regulatory authority. Reference: Codes of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace Section 3.1

A workplace is more than just an office, shop, warehouse, construction or mining site, laboratory, garage, workshop, school.  Multi-storey buildings require at least one kit located on every second floor.  Security-controlled workplaces must also have access to First Aid equipment.

A vehicle can also be considered a workplace! A portable Basic First Aid kit should be provided in the vehicles of mobile workers if that is their workplace, for example couriers, taxi drivers, sales representatives, bus drivers and inspectors. These kits should be safely located so as not to become a projectile in a collision.

Emergency floor plans displayed in the workplace should include the location of first aid kits.  Reference: Codes of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace Page 13

Summary of recommended first aid requirements:

Low risk workplace

• one First Aider for every 50 workers
• Basic First Aid Kit
• First Aid Room for 200 workers or more

High risk workplace

• one First Aider for every 25 workers
• Basic First Aid Kit plus additional equipment identified for specific risks
• First Aid Room for 100 workers or more

Remote – High risk workplace

• one First Aider for every 10 workers
• Basic First Aid kit plus

− a heavy duty 10 cm crepe bandage for snake bites
− large clean sheeting, for covering burns
− thermal blanket, for treating shock
− whistle for attracting attention
− torch/flashlight, and
− any equipment identified for specific risks

• First Aid Room N/A

The number and type of trained First Aiders can be further refined by following the five-step guide in the Codes of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace Page 18

Reference: Codes of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace Appendix C

A regular review of your first aid arrangements in consultation with your workers will ensure they remain adequate and effective.

Step 1 – Identify potential causes of workplace injury and illness

Step 2 -Assess the risk of workplace injury and illness

Step 3 – What First Aid is required?

• First Aiders
• First Aid Kits and facilities
• First Aid procedures

Step 4 – Review First Aid to ensure effectiveness

Reference: Codes of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace Appendix B

Low risk workplace – where workers are less likely to be exposed to hazards that could result in serious injury or illness. Eg; offices, shops and libraries. Work-related injuries and illnesses requiring first aid are likely to be minor in nature. 

High risk workplace – where workers are exposed to hazards that could result in
serious injury or illness and would require first aid. Examples of workplaces that may be considered high risk are ones in which workers:

• use hazardous machinery, for example mobile plant, chainsaws,
  power presses and lathes
• use hazardous substances, for example chemical manufacture,
  laboratories, horticulture, petrol stations and food manufacturing
• are at risk of falls that could result in serious injury, for example
  construction and stevedoring
• carry out hazardous forms of work, for example, working in
  confined spaces, welding, demolition, electrical work and
  abrasive blasting
• are exposed to the risk of physical violence, for example working
  alone at night, cash handling or having customers who are
  frequently physically aggressive, or
• work in or around extreme heat or cold, for example, foundries
  and prolonged outdoor work in extreme temperatures.

Remote High Risk Workplace – A workplace that satisfies the definitions of being both a remote and a high risk workplace. 

Reference: Codes of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace Appendix A