Alsco First Aid

Well- Trained First Aid Officers Create Safer Workplaces

Who is responsible for the First Aid in your organisation? Under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation of 2001 all workplaces with 25 or more employees must have a person designated to immediately give aid to an ill or injured person when the injury is first suffered and before medical aid can be administered. According to Clause 20(1) of the Regulation the legal requirements for the training of first aid personnel are as follows:

• a person who holds a current first aid certificate issued after successful completion of a WorkCover approved first aid course; or
• a person who holds a current occupational first aid certificate issued after successful completion of a WorkCover approved occupational first aid course; or
• a level 3 or greater ambulance officer or;
• a registered nurse or
• a medical practitioner

These are the minimum requirements. If a workplace is large or diverse or has a complex range of OHS hazards it is the duty of the employer to determine the appropriate level of first aid training based on a risk assessment. Employers also need to ensure that qualifications are current.

First Aid Officer Responsibilities

To be in compliance with the OHS Regulation, First Aid Officers in places of work are responsible for:

• Providing immediate first aid treatment of illness and injury at work.
• Arranging for transportation to hospital, or ensuring the person requiring treatment is able to return home safely.
• Maintaining treatment records.
• Providing first aid services during emergency evacuation.
• Identifying and reporting measures to reduce the incidence of repeated injuries
• Identifying and reporting health hazards.
• Participation in First Aid training and associated training programs.

First Aid Kits

First Aid Officers must also maintain first aid kits. What contents are appropriate and how many safety kits will be needed will vary according to the work place. However, following these basic guidelines will keep your organisation in compliance with OHS Regulations.

• One kit, including specific first aid modules for up to 25 employees.
• Two kits, with specific modules for up to 50 employees
• One additional kit, with specific modules for every additional 50 employees

Make sure that the container of your safety kit protects the content of the kit from dust and damage. The container needs to be recognisable (eg. with a white cross on a green background and clearly marked as 'First aid kit') and should never be locked.

First Aid Rooms

Qualified and knowledgeable First Aid Officers are also required to control the First aid room in the workplace if required. First aid rooms are mandatory for companies with:

• low-risk workplaces with more than 200 employees
• higher-risk workplaces with more than 100 employees

First aid rooms need to be spacious enough for their purpose, well-lit and well-ventilated … easily accessible to injured people who may need to be supported or moved by stretcher and also have easy access to toilets.

A first aid room should be not be used for any other purpose. Provide additional first aid kits if necessary.

Competent First Aid Officers greatly reduce the risk of injury and disease in the workplace. To stay in compliance with the Regulation make sure the First Aid Officers in your organisation maintain proper certification and receive ongoing training.