Q: Can you please tell me if sick rooms are mandatory in NSW corporate offices? What are the rules surrounding this?

A: There is no mandatory requirement to provide workers with a sick room.

Having said that, regulation 42 of the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (NSW) requires a PCBU to ensure access to facilities for the administration of first aid. In some workplaces, a clean, quiet and private area may be suitable. In other workplaces, a designated area may be less suitable and a first aid room would be more appropriate.

Whether the facilities provided in your workplace for first aid ought to include a dedicated room is a matter to be determined according to your workplace in accordance with a risk assessment. Section 3.4 in the Code of Practice – First Aid in the Workplace provides guidance on the provision of first aid facilities and first aid rooms.

Please note: The answer is correct at the time of publishing. Be aware that laws may change over time. Refer to First aid for current advice.