Construction is classified as a high-risk workplace under WHS legislation, attracting the most stringent first aid requirements of any industry. The Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011, combined with Safe Work Australia’s Construction Code of Practice, mandates comprehensive first aid provisions on all sites.

Additional requirements for construction sites:

• Working at Heights: Enhanced first aid provisions; first aider must be present on site, not just accessible
• Confined Space Entry: Standby first aider required at point of entry
• Remote or Rural Sites: HLTAID013 Remote First Aid may be required if >4 hours from hospital
• Demolition: At least one first aider per shift regardless of crew size

Relevant Authority: Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) | Safe Work Australia Code of Practice

Childcare and early education services in Australia are regulated by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) under the Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010 and National Quality Standard (NQS). First aid requirements are among the most clearly defined and strictly enforced of any Australian industry.

ACECQA specifically requires:

• Current approved first aid qualification (HLTAID012 or equivalent recognised by ACECQA)
• Current anaphylaxis management training
• Current emergency asthma management training
• At least one qualified person present at ALL times (including nap times, excursions, outdoor play)
• Records of staff first aid qualifications maintained and available for inspection

IRFA’s HLTAID012 Brisbane course ($95) is fully ACECQA compliant and includes infant CPR, paediatric anaphylaxis, and asthma management — everything required in one session. Book HLTAID012 in Brisbane →

Hospitality workplaces — restaurants, cafes, hotels, bars, catering operations, and event venues — are classified as medium-risk environments under WHS guidelines, with hazards including burns, cuts, slips, alcohol-related incidents, and food allergy reactions.

Healthcare workplaces including hospitals, medical centres, dental practices, physiotherapy clinics, and allied health providers operate under both WHS legislation and professional registration body standards (AHPRA). While clinical staff hold professional qualifications, administrative and support staff still require workplace first aid certification.

Retail environments are classified as lower-risk under WHS legislation, though they still carry obligations for first aid provision. With large numbers of public present, first aid capability in retail is also an important duty of care consideration.

Mining operations in Australia are subject to both WHS legislation and specific mining safety legislation (e.g., Mines Safety and Inspection Act in WA, Coal Mining Safety and Health Act in Queensland). Mining is classified as very high risk with the most stringent first aid requirements.

Transport and logistics operations — including road freight, warehousing, courier services, and distribution centres — carry significant physical hazards including manual handling injuries, vehicle incidents, and hazardous goods exposure.

Schools and universities in Australia must meet WHS obligations for staff as employees AND duty of care obligations for students. State education departments provide additional guidance beyond WHS minimums.

Sports clubs, gyms, leisure centres, and recreation facilities fall under general WHS obligations as employers, with additional duty of care for participants. National sporting bodies (Cricket Australia, Football Queensland, etc.) also mandate first aid requirements for clubs.

Office environments are classified as low-risk workplaces under WHS legislation, but still carry mandatory first aid obligations. Many corporate organisations exceed minimum requirements as part of their duty of care and health & safety culture.

Aged care and disability services are regulated by both WHS legislation and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (under the Aged Care Act 1997) and the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. These environments carry elevated first aid requirements due to the vulnerability of clients.