One of the most common WHS compliance questions we hear from Canberra employers is: “How many first aiders do I actually need?” The answer depends on your workplace — here's how to work it out.
The Starting Point: Risk Level
Safe Work Australia categorises workplaces into two broad risk levels for the purposes of first aid planning:
- ·Low-risk: offices, retail, libraries, hospitality, education, most service industries
- ·High-risk: construction, manufacturing, warehousing, mining, agriculture, healthcare, emergency services
If you're unsure which category your workplace falls into, consult the Safe Work Australia Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace or seek advice from your WHS regulator (WorkSafe ACT for ACT-based businesses).
Recommended First Aider Ratios
| Workplace type | Workers | Recommended first aiders |
|---|---|---|
| Low-risk | Up to 50 | 1 trained first aider |
| Low-risk | 51–100 | 2 trained first aiders |
| Low-risk | Each additional 50 | +1 trained first aider |
| High-risk | Up to 25 | 1 trained first aider |
| High-risk | 26–50 | 2 trained first aiders |
| High-risk | Each additional 25 | +1 trained first aider |
Based on Safe Work Australia Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace (2021). These are recommendations, not fixed legal requirements — your obligations may vary.
Other Factors to Consider
- ·Shift work: ratios apply to the number of workers on site at any one time — a 24/7 business needs coverage across all shifts
- ·Remote or isolated workers: higher ratios and specialist first aid may be required if emergency services cannot reach the site quickly
- ·Multiple locations: each separate workplace should have its own first aid arrangements
- ·Visitor and customer numbers: in some workplaces, the public or visitors should be factored into your planning
Don't Forget the First Aid Kit
A trained first aider needs a stocked first aid kit. The Code of Practice provides guidance on minimum kit contents. Kits should be inspected regularly, kept in accessible locations, and restocked after use.
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