First Aid Training Requirements in Malaysia
A practical guide for employers, HR teams and safety personnel to understand workplace first aid training requirements in Malaysia, including first aider readiness, certificates and record keeping based on DOSH guidance.
Workplace first aid readiness is not only about sending employees for training. Employers also need to choose suitable first aiders, arrange recognised training and maintain proper training records.
How many first aiders does a workplace need?
The number of first aiders depends on workplace risk, number of workers, work shifts and site arrangement. DOSH provides a general guide for employers to plan first aid coverage.
Office or similar low risk setting
- Less than 20 workers: 1 first aider
- 21 to 150 workers: 2 first aiders
- More than 150 workers: 2 first aiders for every 150 workers or part thereof
Chemical plant, construction site, shipyard or similar setting
- Less than 20 workers: 1 first aider per shift
- 20 or more workers: 1 first aider for every 20 workers or part thereof
More than 400 workers
- Coverage: 2 first aiders for every 150 workers or part thereof
- Additional support: a registered nurse or medical assistant should be employed on site
Who should be selected as workplace first aiders?
Employers should select people who are suitable, available and able to respond when an incident happens. The role should not be assigned only for formality.
Available at the workplace during normal working hours or assigned shifts.
Physically and mentally able to respond during an emergency.
Willing to take responsibility and assist injured or unwell employees.
Able to attend recognised first aid training and refresher learning when required.
What should workplace first aid training cover?
A first aider should not only understand first aid theory. The training should also include demonstration, hands-on practice and assessment so participants can respond more confidently during workplace incidents.
Basic Life Support
Covers emergency response steps, CPR principles, airway obstruction response and care for an unconscious casualty.
CPR & AED Awareness
Helps participants understand CPR response, AED use and how early action supports workplace emergency readiness.
Patient Assessment
Includes checking the casualty, identifying serious conditions and deciding what action should be taken first.
Wound & Injury Management
Covers common workplace injuries such as bleeding, wounds, burns, fractures, sprains and other trauma situations.
Medical Emergencies
Introduces response for common medical situations such as shock, fainting, seizure, poisoning or sudden illness at work.
Practical & Assessment
Training should include practical exercises and assessment, not only classroom explanation.
Training does not end when the course is completed.
Employers should also maintain proper records, monitor certificate validity and plan refresher training so workplace first aid readiness stays current.
Certificate of Proficiency
First aiders should complete a recognised first aid course and receive the relevant certificate after meeting the course requirements.
Refresher Training
First aiders should undergo recognised training once every three years to maintain their knowledge and response readiness.
Training Records
Employers should keep records of first aider training dates and refresher training dates for monitoring and reference.
A simple check for workplace first aid readiness.
Employers can use these questions to review whether their first aid arrangement is clear, current and practical for their workplace.
Have you identified how many first aiders are needed for your workplace risk and worker count?
Are trained first aiders available during working hours or each work shift?
Have your selected first aiders completed recognised workplace first aid training?
Do you keep records of first aider training dates and refresher training due dates?
Are first aid boxes, AED access and emergency contact information easy to find?
Common questions about workplace first aid training requirements.
Short answers for employers, HR teams and safety personnel planning workplace first aid readiness.
How many first aiders does a workplace need?
The number depends on workplace risk, number of workers, shift arrangement and site layout. Employers should refer to DOSH guidance and ensure enough trained first aiders are available when work is carried out.
Who should be selected as a workplace first aider?
A suitable first aider should be available at the workplace, able to respond during an emergency, willing to assist others and able to attend recognised first aid training.
How often should first aiders attend refresher training?
First aiders should undergo recognised first aid training once every three years to keep their knowledge and response readiness current.
Should employers keep first aid training records?
Yes. Employers should keep records of first aider training and refresher training, including training dates and due dates for renewal or refresher planning.
Does workplace first aid training include CPR and AED?
CPR and AED awareness are commonly included in workplace first aid training, depending on the programme structure and applicable course requirements.
Is first aid training only needed for high risk workplaces?
No. Low risk workplaces also need first aid arrangements. The number of first aiders and level of preparation may differ depending on the workplace risk and number of employees.
Need to train or refresh your workplace first aiders?
ASEC provides practical First Aid, CPR and AED training to help organisations strengthen workplace first aid readiness and maintain trained responder records.