First aid policy template
A free, ready-to-edit first aid policy template for Australian workplaces. Set clear WHS-compliant rules for trained first aiders, accessible first aid kits, response procedures and incident records — so everyone knows what to do when someone is injured or unwell at work. No signup required.
First aid policy
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By downloading, you agree to our template disclaimer
This first aid policy template reflects Australian work health and safety standards at the time of publication and is provided as a general guide to adapt for your workplace and state or territory WHS regulator. It does not constitute legal, HR, or professional advice and should not be relied on as a substitute for advice specific to your business, workforce, or circumstances.
Why your workplace needs a first aid policy
Under Australian work health and safety (WHS) law, every employer must ensure access to first aid equipment, facilities and an adequate number of trained first aiders, so far as is reasonably practicable. What ‘adequate’ means depends on the type of work, the size and layout of your workplace, the hazards present, and how close you are to medical services. A documented first aid policy is how you show you’ve thought this through and put the right arrangements in place.
A clear policy means everyone knows where the kits are, who the first aid officers are, how to call for help, and how incidents get recorded. In a real emergency that clarity can change an outcome — and on a normal day it keeps minor injuries from turning into bigger problems. The policy works hand in hand with your WHS policy, emergency evacuation policy and incident reporting policy.
It applies to all workers — employees, managers, contractors, volunteers and visitors — across every site and shift. Store the policy and capture employee acknowledgements in your HR software so you can show every worker has read and understood it.
What a first aid policy should cover
The essentials of compliant workplace first aid
Purpose & scope
Why first aid is provided and which workers, sites and visitors the policy covers.
First aid officers
Appointing trained, accredited responders and naming them on signage near kits.
First aid kits & facilities
Visible, accessible kits stocked to suit your hazards, plus rooms where required.
Response procedures
Step-by-step actions to take when someone is injured or becomes unwell at work.
Training & certification
Nationally accredited training, with CPR and first aid kept current.
Records & review
Recording incidents in a register and reviewing kits, risks and the policy regularly.
What's included in this template
A complete framework for compliant first aid provision
Purpose & scope
The commitment to effective first aid and who and where the policy applies.
Legal & WHS requirements
How the policy meets duties under WHS law and the Code of Practice.
First aid officers
Appointment, numbers, responsibilities and how officers are identified.
First aid kits & equipment
Kit locations, suggested contents, signage and accessibility.
First aid rooms & facilities
When a dedicated room or facilities are needed for larger or higher-risk sites.
Response procedures
What to do when first aid is required, and when to call 000.
Training & certification
Required qualifications, refresher intervals and record keeping.
Documentation & records
The first aid register, incident reports and privacy of health information.
Communication & signage
Notifying staff of officers, emergency contacts and kit locations.
Review & acknowledgement
Regular risk assessment, kit audits and employee sign-off.
Meeting Australian first aid requirements
What WHS law expects of every Australian workplace
Enough trained first aiders for every shift
The model WHS Code of Practice suggests roughly one first aider per 50 workers in low-risk workplaces and one per 10–25 in high-risk workplaces, but the right number comes from a first aid risk assessment. Make sure coverage holds across every shift, site and remote worker — not just the day shift at head office. RosterElf can help you see who’s scheduled on each shift so a qualified responder is always rostered on.
Keep accreditation current
First aiders should hold nationally accredited training (such as HLTAID011 Provide First Aid). As a general rule the CPR component is refreshed every 12 months and the full first aid qualification every 3 years. Track expiry dates and set renewal reminders with licence and certification management so nobody’s qualification lapses unnoticed.
When first aid is needed
Assess
Check for danger, then assess the injured or ill person and call for the first aid officer.
Treat
Provide first aid within the responder's training; call 000 for serious or unclear cases.
Notify
Inform the manager or HR, and any emergency contact, once the person is stable.
Record
Log the incident in the first aid register and complete an incident report.
Keep at least one stocked, clearly signed first aid kit that’s accessible to all workers, and restock it after use and at regular intervals. Serious incidents — such as a death, serious injury or dangerous incident — must be reported to your WHS regulator, so connect this policy to your incident reporting policy.
First aid records contain sensitive health information, so store them securely and only share them on a need-to-know basis, in line with your employee privacy policy. Safe Work Australia’s First aid in the workplace Code of Practice gives detailed guidance on risk assessments, kit contents and the number of first aiders for your situation.
Who should use this template?
Every Australian employer has a duty to provide first aid
Especially important for higher-risk workplaces and any business with multiple sites or shifts to cover.
Compliance resources
Official guidance on workplace first aid requirements.
Manage your safety policies the easy way
RosterElf helps Australian businesses store policies, capture employee acknowledgements at onboarding, track first aid certifications and keep an audit trail — all in one place.
Related guides
Build and roll out safety policies the right way
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View templateFirst aid policy FAQ
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A first aid policy should set out its purpose and scope, the WHS requirements it meets, the appointment and responsibilities of first aid officers, first aid kit locations and contents, when a first aid room is needed, step-by-step response procedures, training and certification requirements, how incidents are recorded, and a regular review and employee acknowledgement process.
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Yes. This template is a solid foundation, but you should tailor it to your specific hazards, workplace size, layout, number of sites and applicable state or territory WHS laws. The right number of first aiders and the kit contents both come from a first aid risk assessment, so involve your workers and health and safety representatives when you adapt it.
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Issue the policy during safety induction for new starters and via toolbox talks or safety meetings for existing staff, and keep it accessible on a noticeboard or intranet. Using HR software with policy management lets you distribute it and capture acknowledgements so you can prove every worker has read it.
Before you download
General information only — not legal advice
This document is a general HR template provided for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and may not reflect the latest changes in legislation or apply to every workplace situation. RosterElf Pty Ltd and the template provider accept no liability for any loss arising from reliance on this document. Users should seek independent legal advice and customise the template to ensure it complies with all relevant laws, awards and workplace requirements.