Legislation & Code of Practice
Primary Legislation
OHS Regulations 2017 Part 3.5
Requires PCBUs (employers) to ensure adequate first aid provisions are available at every workplace.
Code of Practice
WorkSafe Victoria — Compliance Code: First Aid in the Workplace (November 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. Victoria follows the WorkSafe Victoria Compliance Code ratios:
| Risk Level | Ratio | Min. | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Risk | 1 per 50 workers | 1 | Offices, retail |
| High Risk | 1 per 25 workers | 1 | Manufacturing, construction |
| Remote High Risk | 1 per 10 workers | 1 | Remote or isolated workplaces |
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Quick Reference
Kit Inspection Interval
Compliance Code 2021 requires regular inspection and restocking. Quarterly checking recommended.
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
Maintain a first aid treatment log recording date, time, injury, and first aider details. Keep notifiable incident and treatment records for at least 5 years.
State-Specific Compliance Notes
- WorkSafe Victoria expects a first aid treatment log recording the date, time, injury or illness, treatment, and the name of the first aider.
- Coverage planning should account for leave and shifts, with at least three trained people for each required first-aider position.
First Aid Kit Requirements
Every workplace in Victoria must have at least 1 first aid kit. Additional kits should be provided based on workplace size, layout, and hazards present.
Contents Standard
WorkSafe Victoria Compliance Code: First Aid in the Workplace (2021), Appendix B
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 Victoria 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).
State-Specific Training Notes
- Coverage planning: train at least 3 people per required first-aider position to cover leave and shifts
Emergency Plan
✅ Required
Victoria relies on the OHS Act 2004 employer duty and WorkSafe guidance for emergency planning, evacuation, and periodic testing.
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 based on risk assessment. Compliance Code notes they can be used by trained and untrained persons.
Notifiable Incidents
OHS Act 2004 (VIC) s.38. Covers death, serious injury or illness, and dangerous occurrences. Notify WorkSafe Victoria immediately by phone (13 23 60) and preserve the incident site.
Fire Safety
Emergency plan must cover fire evacuation. Building emergency procedures under Building Act.
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Sources & References
Key official references used for this summary:
- WorkSafe Victoria — Compliance Code: First Aid in the Workplace (November 2021)
- OHS Act 2004 (VIC) s.38 — Incident Notification
- Official guidance from WorkSafe Victoria
This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult WorkSafe Victoria or a qualified WHS professional for definitive compliance guidance. Last reviewed March 2026.
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