The information on first aid is found in Clause 20 of the OHS Regulation 2001.

The Regulation requires employers at each place of work, to provide first aid facilities and (where more than 25 people are employed) trained first aid personnel.

Under Clause 20(2)(a) and (b):

• an employer must provide first aid facilities that are adequate for the immediate treatment of injuries and illnesses that may arise in the workplace, and
• if more than 25 persons are employed at a place of work the employer must provide trained first aid personnel.

It is recommended that access to first aid personnel is available whenever there are more than 25 persons at a workplace, regardless of whether or not those persons are employees e.g. schools.

An employer must have regard to the location, the number of employees and the type of work being undertaken in determining the nature, number and location of first aid facilities that will be provided, including the number of first aid personnel. Subclauses (4)-(7) of Clause 20 prescribe the minimum facilities and personnel required at various sites or places of work.

Trained first aid personnel means:

• a person who holds a current first aid certificate issued after successful completion of a WorkCover approved first aid course; or
• a person who holds a current occupational first aid certificate issued after successful completion of a WorkCover approved occupational first aid course; or
• a level 3 or greater New South Wales ambulance officer; or
• a registered nurse; or
• a medical practitioner (Clause 20 of the OHS Regulation 2001).

If you are in the construction industry there are specific requirements for first aid facilities. (See FAQ “What are the minimum requirements for first aid?”)

  New First Aid Training Courses: Information for Employers