Legislation & Code of Practice
Primary Legislation
WHS Regulation 2011 Chapter 3 Part 3
Requires PCBUs (employers) to ensure adequate first aid provisions are available at every workplace.
Code of Practice
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland — Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace (2021)
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. Queensland follows the Safe Work Australia Model Code of Practice ratios:
| Risk Level | Ratio | Min. | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Risk | 1 per 50 workers | 1 | Offices, retail, education |
| High Risk | 1 per 25 workers | 1 | Agriculture, manufacturing, construction |
| Remote High Risk | 1 per 10 workers | 1 | Remote agricultural, mining |
Use our free calculator to check your workplace's first aider requirement instantly.
Quick Reference
Kit Inspection Interval
Inspection and restocking should occur at least every 90 days. Serious injuries and dangerous incidents must be notified immediately and the site preserved for investigation.
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
WHS Regulation 2011 r.592 requires incident records to be kept for at least 5 years.
State-Specific Compliance Notes
- Queensland first aid kits should be inspected and restocked at least every 90 days.
- Serious injuries and dangerous incidents must be notified immediately, and the site must be preserved unless doing so creates further risk.
First Aid Kit Requirements
Every workplace in Queensland must have at least 1 first aid kit. Additional kits should be provided based on workplace size, layout, and hazards present.
Contents Standard
WorkSafe QLD CoP: First Aid in the Workplace (2021), Schedule 1
Kit contents are guidance-based (suggested, not mandatory). 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 Queensland 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 Regulation 2011 r.43 requires an emergency plan for each workplace, with testing and review.
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
Not mandatory. CoP recommends consideration in emergency first aid plan based on risk assessment.
Notifiable Incidents
WHS Act 2011 (QLD) Part 3 ss.35-39. Covers death, serious injury or illness, and dangerous incidents. Notify Workplace Health and Safety Queensland immediately by phone (1300 362 128) and preserve the site unless doing so would create further risk.
Fire Safety
Emergency plan must address fire emergencies. Fire safety standards under Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008.
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Sources & References
Key official references used for this summary:
- WorkSafe QLD — Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace (2021)
- WHS Act 2011 (QLD) Part 3 — Incident Notification ss.35-39
- Official guidance from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland
This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult Workplace Health and Safety Queensland or a qualified WHS professional for definitive compliance guidance. Last reviewed March 2026.
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