As we move through 2026, workplace safety expectations in the Central West NSW region — including Bathurst, Lithgow, and Cowra — have continued to evolve significantly. For local business owners, compliance with first aid requirements is far more than a regulatory formality; it’s a core element of protecting your team, avoiding penalties, and maintaining a productive operation.

Under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2025 (administered by SafeWork NSW), every Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) has a legal duty to provide adequate first aid equipment, facilities, and trained personnel (Section 42). This obligation applies across all workplaces, from small retail shops on George Street in Bathurst to larger industrial sites in Kelso or remote rural operations around Cowra.

What Does “Adequate” First Aid Really Mean?

“Adequate” is determined through a risk-based approach, guided by the longstanding First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice (January 2020, still the primary reference in 2026). Key factors include:

• Nature of work and hazards
• Workplace size and location
• Number of workers
• Proximity to medical services (critical in regional areas where ambulance response times can be 30–60+ minutes)

Recommended ratios for trained first aiders (from the Code of Practice):

• Low-risk workplaces (e.g., offices, retail shops, libraries): At least 1 trained first aider per 50 workers.
• High-risk workplaces (e.g., factories, workshops, construction, forestry): At least 1 trained first aider per 25 workers.
• Remote or isolated high-risk sites: Up to 1 per 10 workers if emergency access is delayed.

For example:

• A small Bathurst café (low-risk) with 40 staff needs at least one HLTAID011 Provide First Aid qualified person.
• A Lithgow manufacturing workshop (high-risk) with 60 workers requires at least two or three trained first aiders.

Don’t Forget Mobile Workers

Many Central West businesses — tradies, delivery drivers, farm contractors, or sales reps — spend time on the road. SafeWork NSW explicitly states that a worker’s vehicle counts as their workplace when they’re mobile. This means portable first aid kits are mandatory in vehicles for these workers. Kits should be sturdy, well-stocked (including trauma items for rural risks like snake bites or heavy bleeding), and easily accessible.

The Growing Focus on Psychosocial Hazards

In recent years, SafeWork NSW has placed increased emphasis on psychosocial risks — factors like stress, bullying, fatigue, violence, or harassment that can lead to mental health crises. While not directly altering first aid kit contents, the Psychological Health and Safety Strategy 2024-2026 and related Codes highlight the need for preparedness. Businesses should ensure first aiders (and all staff) understand basic mental health first aid responses, such as recognising signs of distress, providing initial support, and knowing when to escalate.

This is especially relevant in regional communities where mental health support services may be limited.

How Tailored First Aid Helps Central West Businesses Stay Compliant

At Tailored First Aid, we specialise in supporting local PCBUs in Bathurst, Lithgow, and Cowra. We go beyond selling kits — we offer:

• Custom risk assessments tailored to your site, considering local hazards (e.g., farm machinery, rural isolation, dust/chemical exposure) and longer ambulance response times.
• Hands-on, engaging training courses like HLTAID011 Provide First Aid, HLTAID009 Provide CPR, and advanced options (e.g., HLTAID013 for remote sites) — delivered in small groups for maximum retention.
• Portable and workplace-specific first aid kits that meet SafeWork NSW guidelines.
• Guidance on integrating mental health awareness into your safety plans.

Many local businesses have faced compliance gaps simply because they overlooked mobile teams or underestimated psychosocial factors. We help you bridge those gaps proactively.

Ready to ensure your Bathurst, Lithgow, or Cowra business is fully compliant in 2026? Contact Tailored First Aid today for a free consultation, risk assessment, or to book training. Don’t wait for an incident — invest in preparedness that protects your people and your business.

At Tailored First Aid, we see many businesses stumble because they forget about their mobile workers. If your team is out on the road in Bathurst or Cowra, their vehicle is technically their workplace, meaning a portable kit is mandatory. Furthermore, 2026 regulations now place a heavier emphasis on “psychosocial” first aid—ensuring your team is prepared not just for physical cuts, but for mental health crises too.

We are uniquely equipped to help Bathurst businesses navigate these waters. We don’t just sell you a kit; we help you conduct a risk assessment that considers local ambulance response times and specific site hazards. Our training is hands-on and high-energy, ensuring your staff actually remember what to do when the pressure is on.

Is your business fully compliant? Don’t risk heavy fines or, worse, a preventable tragedy. Book a Workplace First Aid Audit and Course with us today!