OCCUPATIONAL
HEALTH & SAFETY

Occupational Health & Safety - Is Your Workplace Up To Scratch?

There was a time when First Aid Kits were little more than an afterthought for businesses, and comprised little more than a packet of Band Aid plasters and a bottle of iodine. But times have changed, and as a key part of ensuring health and safety in the workplace, these kits are not just expected but required by Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation.

Employers must provide a safe working environment for their employees, with Model Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation coming into effect in January this year, standardizing the legislation Australia-wide for the first time.

The penalties now facing businesses that fail to comply with the new legislation is quite severe, so the importance in getting everything in order is arguably greater than ever.

Having a First Aid kit is a key part of achieving compliance. Access to these life-saving kits must be easy, with their contents properly managed and adequately stocked at all times. But mobile external defibrillators and eyewash stations are also required.

According to the OHS legislation, all business owners must:

• provide First Aid facilities that are adequate for the immediate treatment of injuries that arise at the place of work.
• ensure First Aid facilities include a First Aid Kit appropriate for the number of employees on each site and work environment.
• ensure First Aid Kits are maintained in proper condition and the contents are replenished as necessary.
• ensure First Aid Kits are regularly checked to ensure the contents are as listed and have not deteriorated or expired.
• ensure First Aid Kits have a white cross on a green background with the words 'First Aid' prominently displayed on the outside.
• ensure First Aid Kits are located at points convenient to the work force and where there is a risk of injury occurring.
• provide at least one First Aid Kit on each floor of a multi-level workplace.
• provide each work vehicle with a vehicle First Aid Kit.

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Is Your Business Compliant?

The good news if you are compliant with older OHS legislation, is that few changes have been made specifically in relation to First Aid Kits. So, the kits supplied and managed by Alsco continue to surpass the standards required.

First Aid Kits must contain all items that can adequately treat common injuries for your particular industry sector. For this reason, you should carry out a Risk Assessment to ascertain which contents you need - for example, more burn gel if burns are most likely.

Here's a quick guide to what is needed to ensure your First Aid Kit is fully compliant:

First Aid Kit Contents to deal with:

• cuts, scratches, punctures, grazes and splinters
• muscular sprains and strains
• minor burns
• amputations and/or major bleeding wounds
• broken bones
• eye injuries
• shock

Physical Requirements of your First Aid Kit:

• large enough to contain all the necessary items
• immediately identifiable with a white cross on green background prominently displayed
• contain a written list of that kit's contents
• made of material that will protect the contents from dust, moisture and contamination

First Aid Kit Location:

• prominent, accessible and be able to be retrieved promptly
• close to areas where risks of injury or illness is higher
• in security-controlled workplaces
• on every second floor in multi-storey buildings
• highlighted on emergency floor plans
• portable kits in vehicles of mobile workers (couriers, taxi drivers, sales reps)
• portable kits safely located in case of accidents

However, while the kit itself is a key component, it is now also necessary to provide the right facilities, and ensure they are capable of coping with whatever demands might be placed on First Aiders in the event of a major accident – however unlikely that may seem to be.

Amongst the facilities and additional equipment featured in the Model WHS legislation are:

• automatic defibrillators
• eye wash stations
• showers (depends on workplace)
• health center or first aid room (depends on workplace and staff numbers)

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The Expanded Role of the PCBUs

But there is now a stronger onus on the business officer – or person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) - to ensure the workplace has adequate First Aid facilities, equipment and trained personnel.

This means they must accurately assess the requirements for their workplace, taking into account a number of aspects, such as the nature of the business, the typical the hazards there, and the number of staff working at any one time.

A PCBU's specific obligations, known as 'Duties of Care', fall into just a few categories:

• the provision of First Aid equipment
• that each worker has access to that equipment
• adequate number of worker appropriately trained in first aid (First Aiders)
• adequate number of First Aiders available at any time
• workers gave access to facilities for the administration of First Aid

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Making Sure To Have First Aiders

When it comes to providing First Aid after an accident, it is now essential that every workplace has a properly trained First Aider on site at all times. First Aiders have to report directly to the PCBU, but their role is arguably the most important.

Their responsibilities include:

• taking reasonable care for their own health and safety
• taking reasonable care not to adversely affect the health and safety of others
• complying with any reasonable instructions given by the PCBU to allow him or her to comply with his or her duties
• co-operating with any reasonable policy or procedure relating to health and safety in the workplace

Having enough First Aiders to deal with the staff numbers is also a key component to complying with the new legislation. The number on duty at any one time depends on the type of work too. For example, in low risk workplaces (office), one First Aider is required for every 50 workers; while in high risk workplaces (manufacturing complex), one First Aider is needed for every 25 workers.

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Ensuring Properly Trained Staff

Staff can only be considered First Aiders if they hold nationally recognised 'Statements of Attainment' after completing an endorsed First Aid unit of competency. But the type of training is significant too.

The choice of First Aid Training courses include:

• Apply First Aid - trains staff to recognise and respond to common life-threatening injuries or illnesses, including CPR, and to manage the casualty and incident until the arrival of medical or other assistance. In low risk workplaces, First Aiders need only know how to perform CPR and treat minor illnesses and injuries.
• Apply Advanced First Aid - trains staff in additional competencies required to apply advanced first aid procedures. Suitable for some high risk workplaces.
• Manage First Aid in the Workplace (Occupational First Aid) - trains staff to apply advanced first aid procedures and to manage a first aid room.
• Provide First Aid in Remote Situations - trains staff to administer first aid in a remote and/or isolated situation, including preparing for aero-medical evacuation. Suitable for high risk workplaces where emergency services are a distance away.

First Aiders are expected to undertake CPR refresher courses annually, and to renew their First Aid qualifications every 3 years. First Aiders may also need to be trained to respond to specific situations at their workplace - for example, where workers may have severe allergies to commonly used substances.

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Greater Policing To Ensure Compliance

If you're wondering just how important complying with the new OHS legislation is, then consider the fact that relevant local authorities have been given greater powers to police employers within their jurisdiction, and a variety of ways to punish those businesses guilty of non-compliance.

Inspectors can effectively call in on a business premises at any time and assess that workplace. So there is every probability that any short-comings that may exist will be quickly revealed. It is, therefore, unwise for any company to take a lax view of the new measures.

According to the Model WHS legislation, these inspectors provide three types of functions, ranging in severity. They offer advice and consultation services to those requiring clarification, but can take strict action against those who fail to comply, including seizing evidence and taking guilty parties to court. In short, their role can be good, bad or quite ugly.

The Good

• Inspectors can provide information and advice on compliance measures
• assist in the resolution of WHS issues
• help train health and safety reps

The Bad

• issue prohibition notices, improvements notices, or non-disturbance notices
• can investigate contraventions of laws
• can make surprise visits to a workplace

The Ugly

• can seek search warrants
• can seize evidence, and request documents
• can seek court injunctions
• can begin legal proceedings

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Severe Penalties For Non-Compliance

So, what punishment awaits those who are convicted of failing to meet with the required conditions laid down by the new OHS legislation? There is no doubt it is stricter than ever before, and that slaps on the wrist will no longer be considered sufficient.

As mentioned above, OHS inspectors have the power to issue 3 types of notice, depending on the specific details of each case. These are designed to give companies time to set things right, but if a company does not satisfy the requirements after that time, then they face some serious consequences.

• Improvement Notice: Calls for specific health and safety improvements to be made. Penalty: $50,000 individual; $250,000 corporate
• Prohibition Notice: Prohibits work to continue until improvements are made. Penalty: $100,000 individual; $500,000 corporate
• Non-Disturbance Notice: Preserves a site for a stated period of time (max 7 days). Penalty: $50,000 individual; $250,000 corporate

Far bigger penalties apply to those officers, PCBUs and businesses that fail to live up to their Duty of Care obligations. Breaches of the Duty of Care are considered a criminal offence. Depending on the specific breach, penalties may be:

• $3 million for a corporation
• $600,000 or 5 years in jail for an individual
• $100,000 or 5 years in jail for a worker

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What Kind of Workplace Is Yours? A Guide to Identifying Risks

Identifying the type of risks prevalent in your workplace plays a big part in knowing the right number of First Aiders you need, and type of training they need. Through these five steps, you can assess what is needed to achieve compliance:

• Step 1: What is the maximum number of workers present at any one time?
• Step 2: What kind of work is being carried out? Does it place your workers at high risk to require immediate first aid treatment?
• Step 3: Is the workplace remote, or access to emergency services difficult? High risk workplaces with difficult access need at least one First Aider per 10 workers.
• Step 4: How is work carried out: alone, in transit, or without supervision? If having a First Aider available at all times is impractical, workers must be able to access First Aid assistance, through an effective means of contacting emergency services, getting appropriate information, instruction and training.
• Step 5: Finally, what other factors affect the number of First Aiders needed? For example: multiple shifts or overtime; seasonal work; large numbers of people present (schools, shopping centres); unique hazards (fitness centres, amusement parks); holidays and annual leave.

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First Aid Kit: Code of Practice

There is no denying that the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act has many facets, all of which need to be adhered to if a business is to comply with the new regulations. The problem is keeping up with the finer details. To help businesses in this matter, a code of practice has been drawn up by Safe Work Australia.

First Aid in the Workplace: Code of Practice sets out clearly everything businesses owners and PCBUs need to know, effectively removing any confusion there may be. It provides information on a risk management approach ensuring the specific system is tailored to the specific risks and hazards in their workplace.

A synopsis of the points it covers includes some points already covered above (see Is Your Business Compliant?). But as well as the expected points, like the required contents of First Aid Kits, the size and capacity of the kits, and the ideal locations for them, there are also details provided on kit maintenance, additional equipment required, and the First Aid facilities expected.

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Maintaining Kits

A person in the workplace should be nominated to maintain the first aid kit (usually a first aider) and should:

• monitor access to the first aid kit and ensure any items used are replaced as soon as practicable after use
• undertake regular checks (after each use or, if the kit is not used, at least once every 12 months) to ensure the kit contains a complete set of the required items (an inventory list in the kit should be signed and dated after each check)
• ensure that items are in good working order, have not deteriorated and are within their expiry dates and that sterile products are sealed and have not been tampered with.

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Other First Aid Equipment

In addition to First Aid Kits, you should consider whether any other first aid equipment is necessary, like Automatic Defibrillators or Eye Wash and Shower Equipment.

Automatic Defibrillators

Providing an Automatic Defibrillator can reduce the risk of fatality from cardiac arrest and is a useful addition for workplaces where there is a risk of electrocution, or where there are large numbers of members of the public.

Automatic defibrillators are designed to be used by trained or untrained persons. They should be located in an area that is clearly visible, accessible and not exposed to extreme temperatures. They should be clearly signed and maintained according to the manufacturer's specifications.

Eye Wash and Shower Equipment

Eye wash and shower equipment may be permanently fixed or portable, depending on the workplace. Eye Wash equipment should be provided where there is a risk of hazardous chemicals or infectious substances causing eye injuries.

Easy access to shower equipment should also be provided in workplaces where there is a risk of:

• exposure to hazardous chemicals resulting in skin absorption or contamination from infectious substances
• serious burns to a large area of the face or body (including chemical or electrical burns or burns that are deep, in sensitive areas or greater than a 20 cent piece)

Shower facilities can consist of:

• an appropriate deluge facility
• a permanently rigged hand-held shower hose
• a portable plastic or rubber shower hose that is designed to be easily attached to a tap spout - for small, relatively low risk workplaces where a fixed deluge facility would not be reasonably practicable but the risk of serious burns is still foreseeable (a fish and chip shop).

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First Aid Facilities

Facilities must be sufficient to cope with whatever demands might be placed on the first aiders in the event of a major accident – however unlikely that may seem to be. A risk assessment will help determine the type of First Aid facilities needed. For example, a clean, quiet area within the workplace that affords privacy to an injured or ill person may be suitable and practicable for some workplaces.

Access to a telephone for contacting emergency services or an emergency call system should be provided as part of all First Aid facilities.

First Aid Rooms

A First Aid room should be established where there is a higher risk of serious injury or illness occurring that would not only require immediate first aid, but also further treatment by an emergency service. A first aid room is recommended for:

• low risk workplaces with 200 workers or more
• high risk workplaces with 100 workers or more

First Aid rooms should suit the hazards specific to the workplace, and should allow easy access and movement of injured people supported or moved by stretcher or wheelchair. A First Aid room should:

• offer privacy via screening or a door
• be easily accessible to emergency services (minimum door width of 1 metre for stretcher access)
• be well lit and ventilated
• have an appropriate floor area (14 square metres as a guide)
• have an entrance that is clearly marked with first aid signage

Maintaining a first aid room should be allocated to a trained occupational First Aider, except where this room is part of a health centre or hospital.

Health Centres

Health centres staffed by a registered health practitioner (a doctor or nurse) or paramedic can provide emergency medical treatment and cater to the types of hazards in high risk workplaces. The facility should:

• be self-contained
• be located at ground level where possible in a quiet, clean area that is a safe distance from hazardous operations and clear of any general thoroughfare
• be convenient and accessible to workers at the times that they work and have an entrance clearly marked with health centre signage
• have walls, floors and ceilings that are made of impervious materials and are easy to clean
• have enough space to accommodate first aid equipment

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Are You Compliant? We'll Audit Your Business to Make Sure You Are!

Alsco's 2012 First Aid Compliance Guide conforms to the health and safety laws now applied across Australia, and gives you the best guidance in complying to them.

Of course, many of the basic principles of ensuring safety in the workplace have not changed. So, if your business was compliant with the previous regulations as they relate to the provision of First Aid kits, there are few changes that you need to make. Certainly, we at Alsco are more than happy to help you meet the new First Aid kit requirements.

If you're not completely sure whether your company complies fully with the current WHS guidelines for providing First Aid kits in your workplace? Give our friendly team a call on 1300 077 391 for a free, no-obligation First Aid Audit.

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ALSCO's Fully Managed First Aid Kits

Many businesses like to buy their First Aid equipment, including their kits, but with WHS Act stipulating a need to properly manage and maintain First Aid Kits, the sensible option is clearly to hire professionals to maintain equipment and supplies.

Alsco's fully managed First Aid rental program means everything is taken care of, leaving you with nothing to worry about. You can be confident the First Aid supplies you need will be there every time they are needed. Our managed rental service includes:

• Agreed maintenance schedule by our friendly, professional team with a proven service record. Use our experience and expertise as a reference point to support you.
• High quality "hospital grade" first aid supplies that are never out of date
• Peace of mind knowing that all your first aid kits are auditable to OH&S guidelines, using both log books and our state of the art electronic tracking system
• Sturdy, highly visible, wall-mounted cabinets for immediate identification and ease of access - for first aid kits, AEDs and eyewash stations.
• Easy budgeting and cashflow management with a flat fee, inclusive of all services and consumables
• Each item in Alsco's First Aid Kits are colour coded for specific injuries, ensuring you select the correct first aid kit for your required situation.
• A removable door liner is exchanged each service.
• Well labelled, transparent packaging allows you to find the right supplies when you're in a hurry.
• A service card in each cabinet is used to log service dates.
• Each kit has a logical, standard layout that makes it simple and easy to use.

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Links and Further Reading

Related Articles from ALSCO Green Room:
The Cost of Occupational Skin Diseases
The Threat of Falling Objects

Websites Worth Visiting:
Safe Work Australia
ALSCO Training

Recommended Reading:
Australian Work Health & Safety Strategy, 2012-2022 (PDF)
Workplace Fatalities 2010-2011
Australia Work Related Injuries By Sex and Age, 2009-2010
ALSCO Falling Objects Fact Sheet (PDF)
ALSCO Wet Work Statistics (PDF)
ALSCO Working With Chemicals (PDF)

Resources:
First Aid Signs
First Aid Posters
ALSCO How To Guides