Since 1 July 2026, effectively yes. Section 26A of the WHS Act 2011 (NSW) commenced on that date, creating a duty for PCBUs to comply with approved codes of practice — or to manage the relevant hazard or risk in a different way that provides an equivalent or higher standard of health and safety. Approved codes are now the minimum performance standard, not optional guidance, and a failure to meet an applicable code's standard can itself support a breach of the Act. (Before 1 July 2026, codes were admissible evidence of what was reasonably practicable rather than a direct duty.)

Yes, in effect. Clause 42 of the WHS Regulation 2017 requires every PCBU to provide an adequate number of trained first aiders (or access arrangements), determined by a risk assessment. For almost all workplaces, that means at least one worker holding a current nationally recognised first aid qualification.

In a low-risk workplace, the recommended minimum is one trained first aider (1 per 50 workers).

In a high-risk workplace, you'd still need one at 20 staff (1 per 25) — but you must ensure coverage across all shifts and consider leave, so most workplaces train at least two.

HLTAID015 Provide Advanced Resuscitation and Oxygen Therapy is the nationally recognised unit covering oxygen administration, bag-valve-mask ventilation and airway management. If your risk assessment puts oxygen equipment on site, staff expected to use it should hold this unit.

Duties overlap. PCBUs sharing a workplace must consult and coordinate — first aiders and facilities may be shared, but each PCBU remains responsible for ensuring its own workers have access.