How many first aid officers are required in the workplace?
This is one of the biggest compliance worries for Perth business managers.
If you manage staff or safety, this question usually brings stress.
Am I meeting legal rules?
Do I have enough trained staff?
What happens if something goes wrong?
We help Perth businesses answer these questions and train their staff efficiently, providing nationally recognised certification.
Book Workplace First Aid Training with WJS Training
General Guide: How Many First Aid Officers Are Required in the Workplace?
According to the CODE OF PRACTICE of First aid in the workplace by WorkSafe of Western Australia, the number of trained first aiders is recommended:
Low risk workplaces – one first aider for every 50 workers
High risk workplaces – one first aider for every 25 workers
Remote high risk workplaces – one first aider for every 10 workers
However, you must ensure an adequate number of workers are trained to administer first aid at the workplace or workers have access to an adequate number of other people who have been trained to administer first aid at all times. If an incident happens and coverage is not enough, penalties may apply.
It means that real numbers should be assessed by workplaces based on the following criteria:
- Number of workers
- Type of work
- Workplace risks
- Shifts
- Site size
- Schedule
If your first aiders move around the workplace during their shift you should ensure they are easy to locate and identify – for example, on a construction site your first aiders could be identified by a high visibility vest of a particular colour or you could display a contact number or first aid in prominent locations.
Workspaces need to ensure that their workers have access to first aiders at the times when your workers carry out work, for example, taking into account shiftwork and overtime. We see these problems:
- Trained staff leave, and certificates expire
- If only one person is trained, then employees dont have access to first aiders all the time
Training staff together fixes this fast.
How to Calculate YOUR Number of First Aiders Required in the Workplace (WorkSafe WA)
The number and type of trained first aiders can be determined by following a five-step
guide:
Step 1 – Look at your peak staff numbers
Start by identifying the maximum number of workers who are at the workplace at any one time.
Step 2 – Assess the level of risk in the work being done
Think about the type of work your team carries out.
Ask yourself whether workers are exposed to hazards that could lead to injuries or sudden illness that need immediate first aid.
Higher-risk work usually means you’ll need more trained first aiders available.
Step 3 – Consider remoteness and access to emergency services
Check how quickly emergency services can reach your workplace.
If your workplace is remote or access to medical or ambulance services is difficult, this increases the need for first aid coverage.
For high-risk workplaces without quick access to emergency services, there should be at least one first aider for every 10 workers.
Step 4 – Think about how and where your team works
Not all workers are in the same place at the same time.
Some workers may:
- spend most or all of their time working alone or in transit, such as couriers, taxi drivers, sales reps, inspectors, or charity collectors
- work in a variety of locations on a regular basis and often work without supervision, for example tradespeople, construction workers in the housing industry, farmhands and cleaners
- sometimes work alone for relatively short periods of time, for example when opening or
closing a business for trade or working back late to meet a deadline.
In such situations, it may not be practical to have a first aid officer on duty at all times in the workplace.
However, these workers must have access to first aid, for example by providing them with:
• effective means of accessing emergency services or first aiders, and
• information, instructions, and training on how to respond to serious injury or illness.
Step 5 – Check if you need extra coverage
Before you lock in the final number of first aiders, consider if there are other factors indicating your workplace needs more first aiders.
This can include:
- shift work or overtime arrangements
- seasonal work that causes sudden changes in staff numbers
- where there are large numbers of other people present on a regular basis, for example schools, shopping centres, hotels and function centres
- unique or higher-risk activities, like fitness centres, amusement rides, or dive schools
- times when trained first aiders may be absent, such as annual leave or unexpected leave
Looking at these factors helps make sure first aid support is available when it’s actually needed, not just on paper.
Why Having Enough First Aiders Matters
Workplace injuries cost Australian businesses over $28 billion each year.
Source: Safe Work Australia
Fast first aid response can:
- Reduce injury impact
- Speed up recovery
- Protect staff
- Protect your business
What Types of First Aid Training Are Required?
As a minimum, first aiders should hold a nationally recognised certificate issued by a registered training organisation (RTO) for the unit of competency – Provide First Aid or a course providing equivalent skills. WJS Training and assessment delivered on behalf of Allens Training Pty Ltd RTO 90909, all certificates are nationally recognised.
For many workplaces, this level of training is enough.
For others, extra or higher-level training is needed to match the real risks in the workplace.
You may need additional first aid training if:
- your team works in remote or isolated locations
- dangerous substances are used or stored, such as cyanide or arsenic
- specialist first aid equipment or a first aid room is in place
- children are present at the workplace
- psychological risks have been identified
- workers have existing medical conditions that may require first aid
If staff or visitors have known medical conditions, first aiders should be trained to respond to those situations, especially if they were not covered in earlier training.
How Often Should First Aid Training Be Updated
First aid skills need regular refreshers to stay effective and confident.
First aiders should:
- attend training regularly to keep their knowledge current
- refresh CPR training every year
- renew full first aid qualifications every three years
Keeping training up to date helps your business stay compliant and ensures your team can respond quickly and calmly when it matters most.
You can contact us to refresh your workplace CPR and First Aid certificates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Workplace First Aiders
How many first aiders are required in the workplace in Western Australia?
In WA, the number of first aiders depends on how many workers you have, the level of risk in your work, the locations, and how easily emergency services can reach you. As a general guide, WorkSafe WA recommends one first aider for every 50 workers in low-risk workplaces, one for every 25 workers in high-risk workplaces, and one for every 10 workers in remote high-risk workplaces. However, first aiders must be accessible to workers at all times.
Does every shift need access to a trained first aider?
Yes. If your business operates across multiple shifts, each shift must have access to trained first aiders. Coverage should account for rosters, leave, and peak work periods.
What qualifications does a workplace first aider need in WA?
First aiders should hold a nationally recognised Provide First Aid qualification or an equivalent course delivered by a registered training organisation. Some workplaces may require additional training based on identified risks.
