Safe Work Guidelines: How Many People on a Site Need First Aid Training?

Ellen Rheinberger
Dec 22, 2025
3 min read

Ensuring proper first aid coverage on a worksite is a legal and practical necessity. Whether you’re managing a mine near Lithgow, a construction project in Bathurst, or a small workplace in Blayney, understanding how many staff members need first aid training is critical for safety and compliance.

Understanding First Aid Requirements for Worksites

Safe work guidelines in Australia outline that every workplace must have a sufficient number of trained first aid personnel to manage emergencies. The exact number depends on factors such as:

Workplace size: larger sites typically require more trained personnel.
Number of employees: the more workers on site, the more first aiders are needed.
Nature of work: high-risk industries like mining, construction, and heavy industry require higher levels of first aid competency.
Accessibility: worksites in regional areas like Orange, Mudgee, Lithgow, and Oberon may need more trained personnel due to potential delays in professional emergency response.

Key Guidelines from Safe Work Australia

According to Safe Work Australia, all workplaces should:

Have at least one trained first aider on site at all times.
Ensure first aid coverage is proportionate to the number of workers and the risk profile of the work.
Provide refresher training regularly so skills remain current.
Maintain adequate first aid equipment, such as first aid kits and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

For high-risk environments such as underground or open-cut mining in Central West NSW, first aid requirements are stricter. Workers need advanced skills to manage injuries like crush injuries, burns, or cardiac events while waiting for professional assistance.

How Many Trained First Aid Personnel Do You Need?

While the minimum requirement is typically one first aider per workplace, Safe Work Australia and most state regulators recommend a more proactive approach:

Small worksites (1–10 employees): at least one trained first aider.
Medium worksites (10–50 employees): one trained first aider per 20–25 employees.
Large or high-risk worksites (50+ employees, mining, construction): multiple first aiders, including at least some with advanced first aid training.

In regional towns such as Bathurst, Blayney, or Lithgow, extra consideration should be given to the distance from medical services. More trained personnel and additional first aid equipment can make a real difference in an emergency.

Training Options for Your Team

Employers in Central West NSW have access to a variety of accredited first aid courses:

HLTAID011 Provide First Aid – suitable for general workplaces.
HLTAID014 Provide Advanced First Aid – ideal for high-risk industries or sites with many employees.
HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting – suitable for childcare and educational facilities.

Choosing the right level of training depends on your workplace risk assessment and the number of personnel present. Sites in remote areas like Oberon or Mudgee may benefit from having multiple staff trained to an advanced level to manage critical incidents until emergency services arrive.

Practical Tips for Employers

Conduct a risk assessment to identify workplace hazards.
Calculate the minimum number of first aiders required using employee numbers and risk factors.
Schedule regular refresher courses to maintain skills.
Ensure first aid equipment is accessible and properly stocked.
Keep records of all training for compliance purposes.

Conclusion

First aid training is not just a compliance requirement — it’s a key part of creating a safe, responsive workplace. By assessing your site’s risk, understanding safe work guidelines, and ensuring the right number of trained personnel, you can provide a safer environment for your employees, whether you’re operating in Orange, Bathurst, Mudgee, Lithgow, Blayney, Oberon, or across the wider Central West NSW region.

Investing in first aid training today could save lives tomorrow.