How Many First Aid Officers Do You Legally Need in Australia?

Australian Work Health and Safety laws require businesses to provide appropriate first aid arrangements for their workers. This includes access to first aid equipment, facilities and an adequate number of trained first aiders.

However, there is no single number that applies to every business. The number you need depends on factors including the size of your workforce, the level of risk, your workplace location and how your workers are organised. In short, Safe Work Australia recommends:

• Low-risk workplaces: one first aider for every 50 workers
• High-risk workplaces: one first aider for every 25 workers
• Remote or isolated high-risk workplaces: one first aider for every 10 workers

However, these ratios are a starting point rather than a one-size-fits-all legal formula. Businesses must assess their individual workplace and ensure workers can access first aid when they need it, including during different shifts, overtime and periods when a designated first aider is absent.

This guide explains how to calculate the number of first aiders your workplace may need, what factors you need to consider and which first aid qualifications are suitable for Australian workplaces.

How many first aiders does a workplace need?

The number of trained first aiders you need depends on your workplace’s individual circumstances. Safe Work Australia’s model Code of Practice provides the following recommended ratios:

Workplace	Recommended number of first aiders
Low risk	1 first aider per 50 workers
High risk	1 first aider per 25 workers
Remote high risk	1 first aider per 10 workers

These ratios are useful for determining an appropriate level of first aid coverage, but they should not be treated as an automatic calculation for every workplace. Your first aid arrangements should take into account factors including the nature of the work, workplace hazards, the size and location of the workplace, and the number and composition of workers and other people present.

Examples of first aider requirements

The recommended number of first aiders can look quite different from one workplace to another. The following examples show how factors such as workforce size, level of risk and remoteness can affect the number of trained first aiders you may need:

• A low-risk office with 20 workers would generally need access to at least one trained first aider.
• A low-risk workplace with 60 workers would generally mean two first aiders under the recommended 1:50 ratio.
• A high-risk workplace with 75 workers would generally mean three first aiders under the recommended 1:25 ratio.
• A remote high-risk workplace with 40 workers would generally mean four first aiders under the recommended 1:10 ratio.

Remember that these are recommended ratios. Your risk assessment may indicate that additional first aiders are appropriate.

What determines how many first aiders you need?

The level of risk is an important factor when determining how many first aiders your workplace needs.

Low-risk workplaces

Low-risk workplaces generally have fewer hazards likely to cause serious injury or illness requiring immediate first aid. Examples can include:

• Offices
• Libraries
• Some retail environments
• Administrative workplaces

A typical office environment may fall into the low-risk category, although the workplace should still be assessed based on its actual hazards and circumstances.

High-risk workplaces

High-risk workplaces have a greater likelihood of injuries or illnesses requiring immediate treatment. Examples can include:

• Construction sites
• Manufacturing facilities
• Factories
• Motor vehicle workshops
• Forestry operations
• Some warehouses and industrial workplaces
• Workplaces involving hazardous substances or machinery

The presence of machinery, chemicals, vehicles, manual handling hazards or other significant risks can increase the level of first aid coverage required.

Remote or isolated workplaces

Remote workplaces require particular consideration because emergency medical assistance may take longer to reach the site. For a remote high-risk workplace, Safe Work Australia’s recommended ratio is one first aider for every 10 workers.

People working in isolated or remote workplaces may also need access to additional first aid equipment, communication systems and training appropriate to the hazards and distance from emergency services.

Is there a legal requirement to have a first aider at work?

Australian WHS laws require businesses to provide access to appropriate first aid equipment, facilities and trained first aiders for their workers.

However, Safe Work Australia’s first aider ratios are recommendations, not a one-size-fits-all legal requirement. The number of first aiders needed will depend on factors such as the size, location and risks of the workplace.

The legal status of Safe Work Australia’s guidance can also vary between states and territories. Each jurisdiction has its own WHS laws and may have its own approved Code of Practice. These Codes provide practical guidance on how to meet WHS duties and may be used as evidence of what is reasonably practicable.

For this reason, businesses should check the WHS requirements and guidance that apply in their state or territory rather than simply applying a first aider ratio based on employee numbers. In other words, the recommended ratio is a starting point, not a substitute for a workplace-specific first aid assessment.

How do you calculate how many first aiders you need?

Safe Work Australia’s guidance suggests working through several factors when determining the appropriate number of trained first aiders.

1. Look at the maximum number of people at the workplace

Consider how many people may be present at the workplace at one time. This can be more useful than simply looking at the number of employees on your payroll. Depending on your workplace, you may also need to consider:

• Casual employees
• Contractors
• Subcontractors
• Volunteers
• Regular visitors
• Other people who may be present at the workplace

Safe Work Australia specifically identifies the number and composition of people at a workplace as factors in determining first aid needs.

2. Assess the workplace hazards

Consider the types of injuries or illnesses that could occur. For example, a workplace using heavy machinery, hazardous chemicals or industrial equipment is likely to have different first aid needs from a small administrative office.

Your first aid arrangements should reflect the actual risks rather than relying solely on the number of workers.

3. Consider the workplace location

Is your workplace close to emergency medical services?

If an ambulance or other medical assistance could take significant time to arrive, you may need additional trained first aiders and equipment. This is particularly important for remote and isolated workplaces.

4. Consider shifts and working hours

Having the correct number of first aiders on the staff list isn’t enough if they are not actually available when an emergency occurs. You should consider:

• Different shifts
• Night work
• Overtime
• Early starts and late finishes
• Weekend work
• Staff working alone
• First aiders taking annual or sick leave

Safe Work Australia says workers should be able to access first aid equipment, facilities and trained first aiders at all times, including night shifts and overtime.

For example, if you have three qualified first aiders but all three work the day shift, your workplace may not have adequate first aid coverage overnight.

5. Consider multiple sites or large workplaces

A workplace may have enough trained first aiders overall but still have inadequate coverage if they are concentrated in one area.

Large, multi-storey or geographically spread-out workplaces should consider where first aiders are located and how quickly workers can reach them. The same applies to businesses operating across multiple sites.

Do contractors and visitors count when calculating first aiders?

Your first aid assessment should consider more than permanent employees. Safe Work Australia says businesses should consider the number and composition of people at the workplace, including workers, contractors, subcontractors, volunteers and visitors.

This means a workplace that regularly has significant numbers of contractors or visitors may need to consider whether its first aid arrangements remain adequate when those people are present.

For example, a workplace may normally have 30 employees but regularly have another 20 contractors on site. The business should consider the total number of people who may need access to first aid when determining its arrangements.

What first aid qualification does a workplace first aider need?

Workplace first aiders should hold a First Aid Certificate attained by completing a nationally recognised course at a Registered Training Organisation. For many general workplaces, the most relevant qualification is:

HLTAID011 Provide First Aid

HLTAID011 Provide First Aid is a common nationally recognised first aid course used across many Australian workplaces.

It covers skills including:

• Assessing an emergency situation
• Providing CPR
• Using an AED
• Managing wounds and bleeding
• Responding to choking
• Managing shock
• Providing first aid for a range of injuries and illnesses

The right qualification can vary depending on the workplace and the people being cared for.

HLTAID009 Provide CPR

HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation focuses specifically on CPR and related emergency response skills. The course covers how to:

• recognise an emergency and assess an unconscious, non-breathing casualty
• perform CPR on adults, children and infants
• use an automated external defibrillator (AED)
• follow the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) CPR guidelines
• respond safely, including infection control and use of resuscitation barriers
• contact emergency services and provide an accurate handover
• understand the chain of survival and when to start and stop CPR
• review the incident and recognise the potential psychological impact on rescuers

CPR competency should be refreshed every 12 months to help ensure these critical skills remain current.

HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting

For childcare and education and care environments, HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting may be required.

It includes training relevant to children and infants, including paediatric first aid and responses to conditions such as asthma and anaphylaxis. Workplaces should select training based on their actual requirements rather than simply choosing the shortest or cheapest course.

How often does workplace first aid training need to be renewed?

Keeping first aid skills current is an important part of maintaining effective workplace first aid arrangements. Generally:

Qualification	Recommended refresher
HLTAID009 Provide CPR	Every 12 months
HLTAID011 Provide First Aid	Every 3 years
HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting	Every 3 years

These are generally recommended refresher intervals; specific requirements can vary depending on your workplace, industry and applicable state or territory requirements.

Safe Work Australia recommends that first aiders attend training regularly to keep their knowledge and skills current. Remember that maintaining certificates is only one part of workplace first aid. Businesses should also regularly review their first aid procedures, equipment and workplace risks.

What else does a workplace need for first aid compliance?

Having trained first aiders is only one part of your workplace first aid arrangements. Depending on the workplace and its risk assessment, you may also need:

First aid kits. Every workplace should have access to appropriate first aid equipment.

Safe Work Australia recommends considering additional kits where a workplace is spread out or where workers may have difficulty accessing a central kit quickly.

The contents of your first aid kit should reflect the hazards identified in your workplace. For example, workplaces where burns are a foreseeable risk may need appropriate burn treatment equipment.

First aid rooms. A first aid room may be appropriate where providing first aid would otherwise be difficult. Safe Work Australia’s guidance recommends considering a first aid room in:

• Low-risk workplaces with 200 or more workers
• High-risk workplaces with 100 or more workers

Again, a risk assessment should determine whether a first aid room is appropriate for your particular workplace.

First aid procedures. Workers should know who the workplace first aiders are and how to contact them, where first aid kits and any first aid room are located, and what to do in an emergency, including how to contact emergency services. First aiders should also be easy for workers to identify when assistance is needed.

What happens if your first aider is away?

This is an important consideration that’s sometimes overlooked. If your workplace has only one trained first aider and that person takes annual leave, becomes sick or works a different shift, there may be periods when workers cannot access a trained first aider.

Safe Work Australia’s model Code of Practice specifically identifies staff absence, shift work, overtime and seasonal fluctuations as factors that may indicate a workplace needs additional first aiders. For this reason, having several trained workers can provide better coverage than relying on one person.

Do small businesses need a first aider?

Yes. Small businesses still need to provide appropriate access to first aid. The size of the business is only one factor. A small workplace may still have significant first aid requirements if it involves hazardous work, remote locations or other risks.

For a small, low-risk workplace, one trained first aider may be an appropriate starting point. However, the business should consider what happens if that person is absent and whether workers can access first aid at all times.