First aid

  • All workplaces, including workplaces in the construction industry, must have access to first aid.

PCBUs must provide access to:

  • At least one first aid kit
  • First aid facilities, and
  • Trained first aid people (first aiders).
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PCBU duties
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Worker duties

You must provide access to:

  • At least one first aid kit
  • First aid facilities, and
  • Trained first aid people (first aiders).

You must ensure your workers must be able to access first aid equipment and facilities at all times.

Your PCBU has a duty to keep you and your workplace safe from WHS risks.

You also have a duty to take reasonable care of your own health and safety and that of others in the workplace including ensuring your acts and omissions don't adversely affect others health and safety.

Comply with any reasonable instructions, policies and procedure given by your PCBU at the workplace, so far as is reasonably able to.

First aid risk assessment

A risk assessment will help you work out your first aid needs, like equipment, facilities and training.

Your needs may be unique to your work. Consider the type of work you do and your workplace:

  • Hazards
  • Size
  • Location

Your needs may also depend on how many people are in your workplace and who they are, including:

  • Workers
  • Contractors
  • Subcontractors
  • Volunteers
  • Visitors

It is important to consult your workers on your risk assessment and review it regularly.

The model Code of Practice: First aid in the workplace has a sample risk assessment. 

First aid kits

Your workplace must have at least one first aid kit. It should be:

  • in a location where all workers can see and access it quickly.
  • where there is a higher risk of injury or illness.
  • inside work vehicles if workers travel for their job.

Trained first aiders

First aiders can be workers or other trained people. They should hold a nationally recognised statement of attainment from a registered training organisation and attend training regularly to keep knowledge current. 

Note: 

  • In a high-risk workplace like a construction site, there should be one first aider for every 25 workers.
  • In a remote high-risk workplace like a mine, there should be one first aider for every 10 workers.

First aid rooms

A risk assessment will help decide if a first aid room is needed. A high-risk workplace like a construction site, there should be a first aid room if there are 100 or more workers. 

For more information

  • Did you know

    The WHS regulator in your state or territory can provide practical advice, resources and tools to help you be safe when working in construction. They can also let you know which WHS laws apply to you.