Legislation & Code of Practice
Primary Legislation
WHS (National Uniform Legislation) Regulations 2011 r.42
Requires PCBUs (employers) to ensure adequate first aid provisions are available at every workplace.
Code of Practice
NT WorkSafe — Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace (October 2022)
Provides practical guidance on how to comply with first aid obligations. While not mandatory, courts may reference CoPs as evidence of what is reasonably practicable.
First Aider Ratios
The number of trained first aiders required depends on your workplace risk level and headcount. Northern Territory follows the Safe Work Australia Model Code of Practice ratios:
| Risk Level | Ratio | Min. | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Risk | 1 per 50 workers | 1 | Offices, retail |
| High Risk | 1 per 25 workers | 1 | Construction, mining |
| Remote High Risk | 1 per 10 workers | 1 | Remote/outback workplaces |
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Quick Reference
Kit Inspection Interval
CoP requires regular inspection. Appendix E sets prescriptive minimum quantities for core items, with extra outdoor and remote modules where relevant.
First Aid Certificate Validity
HLTAID011 Provide First Aid must be renewed every 3 years.
CPR Refresh Interval
HLTAID009 Provide CPR requires annual competency refresh.
Record Keeping
Keep records for at least 5 years. Remote workplaces should keep them accessible.
State-Specific Compliance Notes
- NT WorkSafe Appendix E uses prescriptive minimum quantities for core first aid kit items.
- Additional outdoor and remote modules are required where those operating conditions apply.
First Aid Kit Requirements
Every workplace in Northern Territory must have at least 1 first aid kit. Additional kits should be provided based on workplace size, layout, and hazards present.
Contents Standard
NT WorkSafe CoP: First Aid in the Workplace, Appendix E
Kit contents are prescribed (mandatory list). The Code of Practice provides a suggested minimum contents list that should be adapted based on your workplace risk assessment.
Training Requirements
First aiders in Northern Territory must hold the following nationally recognised qualifications:
| Qualification | Code | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Provide First Aid | HLTAID011 | 36 months (3 years) |
| Provide CPR | HLTAID009 | 12 months (annual refresh) |
These are units of competency under the Australian Qualifications Framework and must be delivered by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
Emergency Plan
✅ Required
WHS (National Uniform Legislation) Regulations 2011 r.43 requires an emergency plan.
First Aid Room
A dedicated first aid room is recommended when your workforce exceeds:
Low-Risk Workplaces
Offices, retail, call centres
High-Risk Workplaces
Factories, construction, manufacturing
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
💡 Recommended — Not Legally Required
Recommended for remote locations with delayed emergency response. Not mandated.
Notifiable Incidents
WHS (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011 (NT) Part 3 ss.35-39. Covers death, serious injury or illness, and dangerous incidents. Notify NT WorkSafe immediately by phone (1800 019 115).
Fire Safety
Emergency plan must include fire procedures. Fire and Emergency Act (NT) applies.
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Sources & References
Key official references used for this summary:
- NT WorkSafe — Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace (October 2022)
- WHS (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011 (NT) Part 3
- Official guidance from NT WorkSafe
This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult NT WorkSafe or a qualified WHS professional for definitive compliance guidance. Last reviewed March 2026.
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