Legislation & Code of Practice
Primary Legislation
WHS (General) Regulations 2022 r.42
Requires PCBUs (employers) to ensure adequate first aid provisions are available at every workplace.
Code of Practice
WorkSafe WA — Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace (July 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. Western Australia 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 | Manufacturing, construction, mining |
| Remote High Risk | 1 per 10 workers | 1 | Remote mining, pastoral |
Use our free calculator to check your workplace's first aider requirement instantly.
Quick Reference
Kit Inspection Interval
CoP requires regular inspection and replenishment. Portable kits should also be provided in work vehicles when workers travel as part of their duties.
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 of training, incidents, and first aid provided for at least 5 years.
State-Specific Compliance Notes
- Portable first aid kits should be provided in work vehicles when workers travel as part of their duties.
- Remote or isolated workplaces may need higher-level first aid capability where ambulance or medical response is significantly delayed.
First Aid Kit Requirements
Every workplace in Western Australia must have at least 1 first aid kit. Additional kits should be provided based on workplace size, layout, and hazards present.
Contents Standard
WorkSafe WA CoP: First Aid Facilities and Services (2022)
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 Western Australia 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
- HLTAID013 Remote First Aid may be needed where emergency response is delayed by more than 4 hours
Emergency Plan
✅ Required
WHS (General) Regulations 2022 r.43 requires an emergency plan covering evacuation, testing, and worker training.
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 workplaces with electrocution risk or remote locations. Not legislatively mandated.
Notifiable Incidents
WHS Act 2020 (WA) Part 3 ss.35-39. Covers death, serious injury or illness, and dangerous incidents. Notify WorkSafe WA immediately.
Fire Safety
Emergency plan must address fire procedures. Building Code of Australia fire compliance applies.
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Sources & References
Key official references used for this summary:
- WorkSafe WA — Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace (July 2022)
- WHS Act 2020 (WA) Part 3 — Incident Notification
- Official guidance from WorkSafe WA
This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult WorkSafe WA or a qualified WHS professional for definitive compliance guidance. Last reviewed March 2026.
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