WorkCover. Watching out for you.
FIRST AID IN THE WORKPLACE
GuIDE 2001WorkCover NSW HeALtH AND SAfety GUIDe
New South Wales Government
Disclaimerthis publication may contain occupational health and safety and workers compensation information. It may include some of your obligations under the
various legislations that WorkCover NSW administers. to ensure you comply with your legal obligations you must refer to the appropriate legislation.
Information on the latest laws can be checked by visiting the NSW legislation website (www.legislation.nsw.gov.au) or by contacting the free hotline
service on 02 9321 3333.
this publication does not represent a comprehensive statement of the law as it applies to particular problems or to individuals or as a substitute for
legal advice. you should seek independent legal advice if you need assistance on the application of the law to your situation.
© WorkCover NSW
Contents
• Whydoyouneedfirstaid? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
• Howtousethisinformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
• Whatdothesymbolsmeaninthebooklet? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
• Howtoestablishthespecialneedsofyourworkplace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
• Workingoutyourfirstaidrequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
• Puttingyourinformationintoaction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
• Whoneedstoknowaboutyourfirstaidplan? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
• Checkingthatyourfirstaidarrangementsareworking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
• Somefrequentlyaskedquestions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
• ThemostlikelyquestionsaWorkCoverInspectorwillaskaboutyourfirstaidset-up . . . .14
• Firstaidplanningchecklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
• Firstaidplanningchecklist-Sample . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
• Appendix1:Suggestedfirstaidroomcontents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
• Appendix2:Prescribedkits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
1
First aid in the WorkplaCe
Why do you need first aid?
• OHSRegulation2001setsoutspecificfirstaidrequirementsforcertaintypesof
workplaces .
Howevereveryworkplacehasalegalresponsibilityforensuringadequatefirstaid
provisions .
• Firstaidprovidestheinitialandimmediateattentiontoapersonsufferinganinjuryor
illness .
• Inextremecases,aquickfirstaidresponsecouldmeanthedifferencebetweenlifeand
death .
• Inmanycases,firstaidcanreducetheseverityoftheinjuryorillness .
• Aquickandcompetentfirstaidresponsealsocalmstheinjuredperson,reducing
unnecessarystressandanxiety .
employers have legal responsibilities for ensuring adequate first aid provisions for employees. in addition, section 8 (2) of the ohs act requires that all persons in a workplace other than employees are not exposed to risks.
Itisrecommendedthataccesstofirstaidpersonnelisavailablewherevertherearemorethan
25personsataworkplace,regardlessofwhetherornotthosepersonsareemployees(e .g .
schools) .
how to use this information
• Whatisthisbookletabout?
Thisbookletprovidesanoverviewofhowtosetupafirstaidsystemsuitableforyour
workplace .
Ifyoufollowtheadvicesetoutinthisbooklet,youwillbewellonthewaytocomplying
withfirstaidresponsibilitiesoutlinedinoccupationalhealthandsafetylaws .Thisguidance
shouldbereadinconjunctionwithOHSRegulation2001 .
• Whoisthisbookletfor?
Thisbookletisformanagers,OHSrepresentatives,OHScommitteemembers,employees,
unionsandemployerorganisationswhoneedtoknowaboutfirstaidintheworkplace .
• Whentousetheinformation?
Usethisguidetoassessyourfirstaidarrangements-aretheyadequateandeffective?If
youhavenotlookedatyourfirstaidplaninthepastsixmonths,thencheckitnow .Ifyou
aresettingupanewbusiness,thisbookletshouldbeyourstep-by-stepguidetosettingup
afirstaidprogram .
2
Theinformationinthisbookletshouldbeusedwhenconsultingwith
employeesaboutfirstaid .TheOHSAct2000requiresemployersto
consultwithemployeesandtakeintoaccounttheirviewswhen
makingdecisionsthataffecttheirhealth,safetyandwelfare .Involving
youremployeesinidentifyinghazardsandsolvinghealthandsafety
problemsisanessentialstepinmakingyourworkplacesafeand
healthy .
What do the symbols mean in the booklet?
assess the risks in your legal obligations that you must workplace follow
Consult and communicate Questions you (or others) might with employees ask to clarify issues
tools that can help you work the process of finding things out your plan that cause harm, working out how big a problem they are and then fixing them
how to establish the special needs of your workplace
OHSRegulation2001setsoutcertainminimumstandardsforfirstaid,howevernotwo
workplacesareexactlythesame .Thefactorsthatwilldetermineyourbestfirstaidplandepend
upontheindustryyouoperateinandthespecificactivitiesinyourworkplace .Themethodyou
mustusetolookatyoursituationhasthreebasicsteps:
1. look for the hazards in your workplace–thethingsthatcancauseharm(e .g .chemicals,
machinery,fallingfromheights) .OHSRegulation2001callsthisidentifyinghazards .
2. Work out how serious your health and safety problems might be–decidewhomightbein
danger(e .g .you,employees,customers),thefactorscontributingtotherisk,whatinjuries
couldresult(e .g .burns,amputation,fatigue),andhowlikelytheyaretooccur .Thisiswhat
theOHSRegulation2001callsassessingrisks .
3. eliminate or control risks by making changes that protect people.Forexample,replacea
dangerouschemical,guardmachinery,developagreedsafetyprocedures,trainemployees,
or–asalastresort–issueprotectiveequipment .TheOHSRegulation2001callsthis
eliminatingorcontrollingrisks .
Youmustfollowthesestepsforeveryhealthandsafetyissuethatrequires
attention .Inthecaseoffirstaid,themethodhelpsyoutoworkoutwhat
facilitiesorpersonnelmustbeimmediatelyonhandifthereisaninjuryor
illnessthatmayariseinyourworkplace .
Theguidanceinthisbookletsetsoutinmoredetailthestepsyouneedtotake .
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Working out your first aid requirements
to ensure adequate first aid provisions, employers must identify their potential problems, assess their requirements and consult with employees in the process.
1. Consider the type of work performed and the nature of the hazards
Thetypeofworkperformedwillinfluencethehazardsandthepossibleharmfulconsequences
foremployees .Forexample,employeesinanofficewillhavefirstaidrequirementsdifferent
fromthoseinamanufacturingplant .Workplacesusinghazardoussubstancesmayrequire
specialisedfirstaidfacilities,suchaseyewashstationsandemergencyshowers .
Indeed,differentareaswithintheoneworkplacemayhavedifferenthazards,dependingonthe
tasksbeingundertaken,andtheequipmentbeingused .Sosomeareaswithinyourworkplace
mayhavespecialneedsforfirstaidfacilities .
Thinkaboutthetypesofactivitiesandworkperformedacrossyourworkplace,andtryto
anticipatetherisksfacedbyemployees .
2. identifying potential injuries/illnesses, and likely causes
Thenextstepindevelopingyourfirstaidplanistoidentifythelikelyinjuriesandillnessesthat
mightoccurinyourworkplace,andtheirpotentialcauses .Forexample,injuriesmightinclude
cuts,burns,sprains/strains,crushinjuriesorchemicalpoisoning .Itisgenerallytheseinjuries
thatrequirefirstaidtreatment .
Don’tforgettoconsidercommonmedicalconditionsthatcouldoccurinanyworkplace,suchas
asthma,epilepsy,heartattackorhypoglycaemia(inapersonwithdiabetes) .
Seewhatinjurieshaveoccurred,orcouldoccur,usingacombinationofthefollowingmethods:
• Reviewofaccident,injury,incidentandnearmissdata .
• Consultationwithemployees .
• Walk-throughhazardsurveyofyourworkplace .
• ReviewofinformationonMaterialSafetyDataSheetsandproductlabels .
• Reviewofhealthandsafetyinformationrelevanttoyourbusiness–fromOHSspecialists,
industryassociations,unionsandgovernment .
• Reviewfindingsfromauditsandincidentinvestigations .
Listthetypesofinjuryandillnesswhichcouldoccurinyourworkplace–andtheirpotential
causes .UsetheCOMMONHAZARDTOOLonpage5tomakesureyouhaveconsideredtypical
problems .
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Common hazard tool
hazard typical problems typical injury/ illness
requiring first aid
Manual handling Overexertion/Repetitive Sprains,strains,fractures
movement
Falls Fallsfromheights,slipsand Fractures,bruises,cuts,
tripsonunevensurfaces dislocations,concussion
electricity Contactwithelectricalcurrent Shock,burns,lossof
consciousness,cardiacarrest
plant Beinghitbyprojectiles,striking Cuts,bruises,dislocations,
objects,beingcaughtin dermatitis,fractures,
machineryoverturningvehicles amputation,eyedamage
hazardous substances Exposuretochemicals, Dizziness,vomiting,
e .g .solvents,acids, respiratoryproblems,burns
hydrocarbons toskinoreyes
temperature, UV radiation Effectsofheatorcoldfrom Sunburn,frostbite,heat
weatherorworkenvironment stress,heatstroke,
hypothermia
Biological Allergens,needlestick,exposure Severeallergicreaction,
toinfectiousagents injuries,skinrash,infection
occupational violence Intimidation,conflict,physical Nausea,shock,collapse,
assault physicalinjuries
ThisToolisnotacomprehensiveguidetoworkplacehazards.Itprovidesexamplesof
typicalproblemscreatedbyworkplacehazards,andsomeoftheresultantinjuriesand
illnesses .Youmayhavehazardsotherthanthoselistedhere .
Yourownlistofpotentialinjuriesandillnesses,andtheirlikelycauses,willbedeveloped
frominformationspecifictoyourworkplaceandthetypeofworkperformed .UsethisTool
asastartingpoint,toprovideaframeworkforcollectingtheinformationyouneed .
Afteridentifyingthehazardsinyourworkplaceyouneedtoassesshowseriousaproblemthey
arelikelytobe .Consider:
• howoftenemployeesareexposedtotheidentifiedcausesofinjury/illness-thehazardsof
yourworkplace;
• howlongemployeesareexposedtohazardswhileatwork;
• thepotentialseverityoftheoutcomeofanyinjury/illness-rangingfromminorcutsor
bruisestolong-terminjuriesordeath .
Where possible, introduce preventive measures to eliminate the risk, if this is not possible the employer must control the risk to reduce employee exposure to these hazards. prevention is far better than cure.
5
Working out your first aid requirements – continued
3. number and distribution of employees and others
• Thenumberoftrainedfirstaidersyouneedislinkedtothenumberofemployeesinyour
workplace .
if you employ more than 25 people at a workplace you need at least one person trained in first aid. “trained first aid personnel” means either:
• apersonwhoholdsacurrentfirstaidcertificateissuedaftersuccessfulcompletion of a WorkCover- approved first aid course; or
• apersonwhoholdsacurrentoccupationalfirstaidcertificateissuedaftersuccessful completion of a WorkCover-approved occupational first aid course; or
• aregisterednurse;or
• alevel3orgreaterNewSouthWalesambulanceofficer;or
• amedicalpractitioner.
• Whereemployeesworkacrossseparateworkareas,thefirstaidfacilitiesprovidedmay
needtobelocatedcentrally,withtheprovisionofportablefirstaidkitsineachworkarea .
• Whereemployeesworkawayfromtheworkplace,orinsituationswherethework
performedisnotinabuilding(e .g .vehicles,roadworks),factorstobeconsideredinclude:
– thetypeofworkperformed;
– accesstocommunications(e .g .telephone);and
– whethertheemployeesworkaloneoringroups .
Inthesecircumstancesportablefirstaidkitsmustbeprovided .
• Whereovertimeorshiftworkisundertaken,adequatefirstaidfacilitiesneedtobeprovided
atalltimes .
• Ifyouhaveanyemployeeswithdisabilitiesorspecialneeds,thentheirrequirementsfor
firstaidwillneedtobetakenintoaccount .
• Inworkplaceswheremembersofthepublicmaybepresent(e .g .schools,libraries,
shoppingcentres),additionalfirstaidservicesmayneedtobeprovided .
4. size and layout of the workplace
• Consider:
– thetypeofworkbeingperformedindifferentworkareas;and
– thedistancetobetravelled,andtimerequired,totransportaninjuredpersontofirst
aid .
• Firstaidmustbeprovided .Itshouldbeeasilyaccessiblebyemployees,andpreferably
availablewithinminutes .Soinaverylargeworkplace,oronespanningmultiplefloors,first
aidmayneedtobeavailableinmorethanonearea .
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• Ideally,firstaidshouldbelocatedclosetoallworkareaswherethereisalikelyriskofan
injuryoccurring .
5. location of the workplace
• Theproximityoftheworkplacetomedicalcentres,hospitalsorambulanceshouldbe
includedinyourplan,butthisisnotasubstituteforappropriateon-siteimmediate
response .
• Workplacesinremoteareaswillrequirespecialfirstaidarrangements .
in summary, to assess first aid requirements, you must consider the type of work performed, potential injuries and illnesses, number and distribution of employees, mobility and capability of employees, size and layout of the workplace, and the location of the workplace.
putting your information into action
Havingidentifiedyourpotentialinjuriesandillnesses,andassessedyourfirstaidrequirements,
youarenowreadytodevelopyourfirstaidplan .
how many trained first aiders are required, and which areas/shifts do they cover?
• Thefirstaidplanmustensurethatallemployeesandotherpersonson-siteareprovided
withfirstaidservicesadequatefortheimmediatetreatmentofinjuriesandillnessesthat
ariseinaworkplace .
• Inmanyworkplaces,thiswillmeanprovidinganumberoftrainedfirstaiders:thenumber
mustbedeterminedwithreferencetotheassessmentfactorswehavejustlookedat .
• Aplanastowhichareasandshiftsthefirstaiderswillcoverisessential .
if there are more than 25 persons at a workplace, you need at least one trained first aider. the need for additional first aiders or the provision of first aid facilities will be determined by the outcomes of the first aid assessment. the employer must provide adequate first aid facilities and personnel for the workplace.
What are the limits of the first aider’s role?
• Itisthejobofthetrainedfirstaidertoprovideinitialtreatmenttoinjuredorillemployees:
whichisconsistentwithfirstaider’sleveloftrainingandcompetence .Wherethetreatment
requiredisbeyondafirstaider’slevelofcompetence,theyshouldrecommendthatthe
employeeseekmedicalassistance .Forexample,alocalmedicalclinicmaybecomethe
preferredmedicalproviderforaworkplace .Medicalstafffromtheclinicmaybeencouraged
tobecomefamiliarwithidentifiedworkplacehazards,andspecialarrangementsand
communicationproceduresagreeduponforprovidingemergencyassistance .
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• Incertainhighrisksituations,andparticularlyinlargeworkplaces(e .g .over200
employees),thefirstaidassessmentmayindicatetheneedtoprovideaccesstofirstaid
professionalstaff,suchasanOccupationalHealthNurse .
What are the training requirements for your first aiders?
• Trainedfirstaidpersonnelmeans:
(a) apersonwhoholdsacurrentfirstaidcertificateissuedaftersuccessfulcompletion
ofaWorkCover-approvedfirstaidcourse;or
(b) apersonwhoholdsacurrentoccupationalfirstaidcertificateissuedaftersuccessful
completionofaWorkCover-approvedoccupationalfirstaidcourse;or
(c) alevel3orgreaterNewSouthWalesambulanceofficer;or
(d) aregisterednurse;or
(e) amedicalpractitioner .
• Additionaltrainingasappropriateforthenumberofemployees,locationofworkandtypeof
workbeingcarriedoutmayalsobenecessary .
• Thenominaldurationofthefirstaid(senior)certificateis15hours .
First aid personnel must be appropriately trained.
• Theskillsandcompetenciesoftrainedfirstaidersshouldbemaintainedata
levelappropriatetotheidentifiedlikelyinjuries/illnessesinaworkplace .Forexample,first
aidersinfoundriesmustbeparticularlyskilledintreatingburns,whereasfirstaidersinthe
constructionindustrymustbeskilledinmonitoringsymptomsofemployeesthatmaybe
injuredduetofallsorlaceration .
• Theneedforfurthertrainingmaybenecessarywheneverachangewithintheworkplaceis
likelytoalterthehazardsand,therefore,thetypesofpotentialwork-relatedinjuryorillness .
• Refresherfirstaidtrainingmustbescheduledtoensurethatgeneralskillsarekeptupto
date .
What is your response procedure following an accident requiring first aid?
Youmustknowwhowilldowhat-andinwhatsequencebeforeanaccidentoccurs .People
needtounderstandtheirspecificrole,andhowitfitsintotheoverallplan .
For example:Employeenotifiessupervisorandfirstaiderofaccident➔supervisoralerts
management➔firstaiderattendstoinjuredperson➔supervisormanages
employeesinthevicinityoftheaccident➔firstaideroradesignatedperson
notifiesandco-ordinatesambulanceormedicalassistance .
8
do you need a first aid room, and how should it be managed?
Sickorinjuredemployeesmayneedtobetakentoafirstaidroom(orsuitablealternative)
whilerecoveringfromanincident,waitingformedicalattentiontoarriveorundergoing
treatmentoflessseriousinjuries .Theneedforafirstaidroomwilldependontheoutcomesof
yourfirstaidassessmentandsizeofworkplace .
a first aid room must be provided and maintained at any construction site at which more than 100 persons work or at any other workplace at which more than 200 persons work.
OtherworkplacesnotcoveredbythisprovisionoftheRegulationmaystillhavecircumstances
thatrequireafirstaidroom .
Ifafirstaidroomisdeemednecessary,thefollowingfactorsshouldbeconsideredin
determiningitslocation,layoutandmanagement:
• location–theroommustbereadilyaccessibleduringworkinghours,andsituatedata
convenientdistancefromtoilets,sinkorwashbasinequippedwithsuitabledrainageanda
supplyofhotandcoldrunningwater,andameansofboilingwater .Itshouldalsobeclose
tomotorvehicleaccess .
• Workspace–theroomshouldbelargeenoughtoaccommodateequipmentandfurniture,
leavingenoughspaceforpeopletoadministerfirstaid .Entrancesandcorridorsmustbe
wideenoughtoallowtransportofinjuredpersonssupportedbyastretcher .
• Workenvironment–theroomshouldhaveasuitablefloorcoveringsothatitiseasyto
cleanandmaintain .Itmustalsobewell-litandventilated .Itshouldhavesuitableheating
andcooling .
• Signs–theroomshouldbeclearlyidentifiedwitharecognisablefirstaidsign(whitecross
onagreenbackground) .Anoticeonthedoorshouldidentifythepersonincharge,the
persononduty,locationsandphonenumbersofthenearestfirstaidersandanemergency
after-hourstelephonenumber .
a person appointed to be in charge of a first aid room must be:
(a) a person who holds a current occupational first aid certificate issued after successful completion of a WorkCover-approved occupational first aid course; or
(b) a level 3 or greater new south Wales ambulance officer; or
(c) a registered nurse; or
(d) a medical practitioner.
• Management–theroommustbemanagedbyappropriatelytrainedfirstaidpersonnel .This
personwillberesponsibleforassessingrequirements,maintainingfacilitiesandequipment
andensuringtheroomisimmediatelyaccessible .
AlistofsuggestedfirstaidroomcontentscanbefoundinAppendix1 .
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What are the training requirements for persons appointed to be in charge of first aid rooms?
• Apersonwhoholdsonlyacurrentfirstaidcertificateisnotsufficientlytrainedtobein
chargeofafirstaidroom .
• Thenominaldurationoftheoccupationalfirstaidcertificateis30hours .
• Theneedforfurthertrainingmaybenecessarywheneverachangewithintheworkplaceis
likelytoalterthehazardsand,therefore,thetypesofpotentialwork-relatedinjuryor
illness .
• Refresherfirstaidtrainingasappropriateforapersonappointedtobeinchargeoffirstaid
roommustbescheduledtoensurethatskillsarekeptuptodate .
What are your requirements for first aid kits?
Thefollowingfactorsshouldbeconsideredinrelationtotheprovisionofappropriatefirstaidkits:
• Contents–thiswilldependonyourworkplacehazards,andthetypesofinjury/illnesslikelytooccur .AlistofprescribedfirstaidkitcontentsfordifferentworkplacescanbefoundinAppendix2 .Itisimportanttonotethatthislistrepresentsminimumrequirements,andadditionalcontentsmaybeneededdependingonthehazards .
• Numberofkits–atleastonefirstaidkitmustbeprovidedforeachworkplace .Manyworkplaceswillrequiremultiplekitsbutthiswillbedeterminedbyyourassessment .A‘central’firstaidkitwithsmallerportablekitsmayberequiredinsomecases .
• Locationofkits–firstaidkitsshouldbelocatedclosetoareaswherethereisalikelyriskofinjury/illnessoccurring .Theyshouldbeclearlyvisibleandeasilyaccessible .Firstaidkitsmustbeprovidedforpersonsworkinginremoteareasorinvehicleswhereaccesstoaccidentandemergencyservicesmaybelimited .
• Signs–thefirstaidkitshouldbeclearlyidentifiable,withawhitecrossonagreenbackgroundprominentlydisplayedontheoutside .
• Information–alistofcontentsshouldbeprovidedwiththekit .Namesandlocationsoftrainedfirstaidersshouldalsobedisplayed,alongwithrelevanttelephonenumbers,including000 .
• Management–Thefirstaidkitshouldbemanagedbyatrainedfirstaider .Thispersonshouldberesponsibleforassessingkitrequirements,checkingandreplenishingcontents,andensuringkitsareavailableandnotlockedwheneveremployeesareatwork .
all workplaces must have at least one first aid kit, appropriate for the site or place of work. Construction sites have specific requirements that are set out in appendix 2.
What is your system for maintaining first aid records?
Personalinformationaboutthehealthofanemployeeisconfidential .Developmentofarecordingandreportingsystemforfirstaidmustkeepthisinmind .
Suchasystemshouldbeintegratedwithotherincidentandaccidentreportingsystemsintheworkplace,inparticularwiththeregisterofinjuriesrequiredbyworkerscompensationlaws .Thiscouldbeco-ordinatedbyamanagementrepresentative .
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Thefirstaidreportformshouldbefilledoutbythetrainedfirstaiderandincludeinformationon:
• date,name,time;
• descriptionofsymptoms;
• thetreatmentprovided;
• anyreferralarrangements(e .g .ambulance,hospital,medicalservice) .
Formsshouldbelocatedat,orcloseto,firstaidstations .Theoriginalcopyofthefirstaidrecordshouldberetainedinasecurelocationwithintheworkplace .Ifapersonistransferredtoahospitalormedicalservice,acopyofthefirstaidrecordshouldaccompanythem .Employeesshouldbegivenacopyoftheirfirstaidrecord,andmusthaveaccesstoitonrequest .
Insummary,thefirstaidplanshouldstate:
• Numberoffirstaidersneededtocoverallareasandshifts;includingnamesandcontact
details .
• Specifictrainingrequirementsforfirstaiders .
• Responseprocedures .
• Firstaidfacilitiesrequirementsandmanagement(includingfirstaidroomandkits) .
• Firstaidrecordingandreportingsystem .
• Importantcontactnumberse .g .000,PoisonsInformationCentre,localhospitals/clinics .
in accordance with section 63 of the Workplace injury Management and Workers Compensation act 1998, an injury register must be maintained. Confidentiality of employee information should be ensured
Who needs to know about your first aid plan?
trained first aiders need:
• Writtenprocedures(intheformofafirstaidplan)toensuretheyunderstandtheirspecific
firstaidresponsibilities,andarea/timesofcoverage .
• Regularfirstaidin-servicestoupdateknowledge,anddiscussaspectsofthefirstaidplan .
employees
Informationaboutthefirstaidplanmustbeprovidedtoemployeesduringtheirinduction,and
atregularintervals(atleastannually) .Languageandliteracyrequirementsofemployeesmust
betakenintoaccount .
Employeesmustunderstand:
• whotoapproachforfirstaidassistance;
• whatroletheyhaveinthefirstaidplan(e .g .reportingaccidentsandincidentsto
supervisors);
• wheretogoforfirstaidassistance .
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Thisinformationmaybecommunicatedusingacombinationof:
• postersorsignsintheworkplace;
• informationsessionsorteammeetings;
• newsletters,emailsormemos;
• inductiontraining .
Up-to-datetelephonenumbersoffirstaidersandexternalemergencyorganisations(e .g .
ambulance,medicalclinics,hospitals)shouldbeclearlydisplayedonnoticeboardsandclose
tocentraltelephoneorcommunicationpoints .
Managers and supervisors
Managersandsupervisorsmustbefamiliarwithfirstaidarrangements,andmustunderstand
theiraccountabilitiesunderthefirstaidplan .Theywillalsoplayanimportantpartinmaking
surefirstaidinformationisprovidedtoallemployees .
Contractors and visitors
Wherepracticableallpeopleenteringtheworkplaceshouldbeprovidedwithessential
informationaboutfirstaidarrangements .
Checking that your first aid arrangements are working
Youmayalreadyhaveworkedondevelopingyourfirstaidarrangements .Itisimportantthat
youknowwhetherornottheycontinuetomeetyourexpectations–preferablybeforean
incidentoccurswhichmayfindthemwanting .
• Buildinaperiodicreviewofallofyourfirstaidarrangements,involvingthepeoplewho
haveaccountabilitiesunderyourfirstaidplan .
• Ifworkpracticesaremodified,ornewworkpracticesintroduced,reviewthefirstaidplan
againsttheassessmentfactorstoensureitisstilladequate .
• Organiseamockfirstaidemergencytocheckthatyourfirstaidplanworks .Checkthatkits
andfirstaidroomsareaccessibleandnotlocked .
• Ifanincidentrequiringfirstaiddoesoccur,evaluatetheeffectivenessofthefirstaid
provided,andmakechangestoyourfirstaidplanifnecessary .
• Ifnewinformationisobtainedaboutapreviouslyunidentifiedhazard,reviewyourfirstaid
provision .
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some frequently asked questions
Q: Can i lock the first aid room/kit?
Roomsandkitsmustbeaccessibleduringworkinghoursalthoughyoushouldestablish
measurestoensureroomsarenotmisusedandkitsarenotsubjecttoabuseorpilfering .Itis
anoffenceunderS21 .oftheOHSActtoabusefirstaidfacilities .
Q: do the provisions in the ohs regulation 2001 relate mainly to construction sites?
no.Therequirementsforfirstaidapplytoallworkplaces .Constructionsitesareexamples
wheretheremightbeahighriskenvironment .Asmallchemicalcompany,afarmorasawmill
couldalsohavehighrisksituationsrequiringspecificfirstaidarrangements .
Q: are there any australian standards i need to be aware of?
Yes.AustralianStandardAS1319-SafetySignsfortheOccupationalEnvironmentwillhelp
youmakesureeveryoneknowswherefirstaidfacilitiesare .AustralianStandardAS2486
–Resuscitators,ResuscitationContainersandResuscitationKitsmayalsoberelevant .
Q: are first aiders legally liable for the initial treatment they provide?
no.Firstaidershavenomoreresponsibilitythanissetoutintheemployeedutiesunderthe
OHSAct .Ifanypersonhinderstheprovisionoffirstaidtoaninjuredpersonatworkorrefuses
areasonablerequestforsuchaidtheymaybeguiltyofanoffenceundertheOHSAct .
Q: should paracetamol and other scheduled or over-the-counter medications be included in any Workplace kit or Module?
Thesearedrugsrequiringappropriatemedicalsupervisionand,despitetheirreadyavailability,
shouldonlybedispensedbypersonswithtrainingintheadministrationofnon-prescription
medications .Employeesshouldberesponsibleforcarryinganddispensingtheirownprescribed
orover-the-countermedications .Thesedrugshavebeenshowntobethemajorsourceofabuse
andpilferingoffirstaidkits .Accordingly,analgesicsshouldbeincludedinfirstaidkitsonly
afterconsultationwithemployeesandwhenanappropriatemanagementplanisinplace .
13
the most likely questions a WorkCover inspector will ask about your first aid set-up
• Tellmewhatsortofinjuriesorillnessesyouhavehadinyourworkplaceoverthelast5
years?
• Whatkindsofhazardsarethereintheworkplaceandwhatareyoudoingtoprotect
employees?
• Isanybodytrainedtoadministerfirstaid?
• Whereisyourfirstaidkit,andwhat’sinit?
• Howmanypeopleworkonthissite,andcantheygetaccesstofirstaidquickly?
• Whoisresponsibleforkeepingyourfirstaidarrangementsuptodate?
• Whathaveyoudocumentedinregardtoyourfirstaidset-up?
• Howdoemployees(orcustomers,contractorsorvisitors)knowwhattodoifthereisan
injuryorillnessrequiringimmediatefirstaid?
First aid planning checklist
Working out your first aid requirements
✓ 1 .Whattypeofworkisperformed?Listyourworkactivitiesthatmaycauseinjury .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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✓ 2 .Listthetypesofinjuryorillnesslikelytobesustained .RefertotheCommonHazards
Toolforguidance(seepage5) .
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✓ 3 .Howmanyemployeesorotherpersonsaregenerallyon-site?Whatistheirdistribution?
Doanyemployeeshavespecialneeds?
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✓ 4 .Howbigisyourworkplaceandwhatisitslayout?
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14
documenting your first aid plan
✓ Firstaiders–numberrequiredtocoverallshifts/areas;rosterforshifts/areas;contact
numbers .
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✓ Specifictrainingrequirementsforfirstaiders .
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✓ Responseproceduresfollowinganaccident-whodoeswhat,andinwhatsequence?
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✓ Firstaidroom–requirements,location,whoisresponsible?
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✓ Firstaidkits–requirements,location,whoisresponsible?
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✓ Firstaidrecords–whatformsareused,whofillsthemout,wherearetheystored?
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✓ Communicatingyourfirstaidplan–tofirstaiders,supervisors/managers,employees,
contractors/visitors .Considerprocedures,induction,signs .
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✓ Importantcontactnumbers–000,medicalclinic,hospital,PoisonsInformationCentre,
emergencyservices .
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Checking that your first aid plan is working
✓ Considerwhenthechecksaremade,howitisdoneandwhodoesit .
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First aid planning checklist (sample)
Thisisnotanexhaustivechecklistandisdesignedtoillustratetheapproachtoplanningfor
firstaid .
assessment of first aid requirements
type of work performed.
• e .g .Lightengineering .
Workusingdrillpress,planners
androutermostrisky .
types of injury/illness likely to be sustained.
• e .g .Commonhazardsarechemicals andmachinery . Injuriessuchasburnsandlacerations recordedinlast12months .
number and distribution of employees.
• e .g .85workingnormaldayshift, including25workingoff-siteon projects .
size & layout of workplace.
• e .g .2400sqmetres,singlestorey . 2minutesmaximumtonearest firstaidkit .Off-siteworkerscarry portablekit .
location of workplace.
• e .g .Nearestmedicalcentre 2kilometresor5minutes, nearesthospital8kilometres or15minutes .
First aid plan (Controls)
number of first aiders needed to cover all areas and shifts within the workplace.
• e .g .Beginwithonefirstaiderbecauseyouemploymorethan25peopleasastartingpoint,andadjustaccordingtoassessment .Specialarrangementsforoff-siteemployeesneedtobeconsidered .
specific training requirements for first aiders.
• e .g .Mayneedspecialskillsonburns .
response procedures.
• e .g .Nearestworkeralertsfirstaider &management;firstaiderprovides treatmentandco-ordinatesmedical assistance/ambulance .
• Fieldstaffaretocarryfirstaidkits incars/trucks .
First aid room requirements and management.
• e .g .Decideonneedfrom informationinassessment .
First aid kit requirements and management.
• Locationandnumberofkits .
• e .g .UseAppendix2asastarting point,minimumkitforalloff-site employees,typeAorBkitsfor constructionplusburnsmodule .
First aid recording & reporting system.
• e .g .Formsused,whomanagesthe system .
Communicating the first aid plan.
• e .g .Induction,signs,procedures .
important contact numbers.
• e .g .Medicalclinic,hospital,Poisons InformationCentre,000 .
appendix 1: suggested first aid room contents
Thisisnotanexhaustivechecklistandisdesignedtoillustratetheapproachtoplanningfor
firstaid .
refer ohs regulation 2001-for first aid room minimum requirements for certain workplaces.
Furniture & fittings
• Washbasinwithhotandcoldwatersupplies .
• Cupboardsforstorageofmedicalrequirements,dressingsandlinen .
• Desk,workbenchordressingtrolley .
• Telephone .
• Electricpowerpoints .
• Lockablefilingcabinetforstorageofrecords .
• Suitableseating .
• Couch(waterproofsurface)withblanketsandpillows .
• Moveablescreen,suspendedcurtain,oradoorthatcancloseforprivacyneeds .
Medical requirements
• Examinationtable .
• Examinationlamp .
• Stretcher,liftingframeorsimilardevicefortransportingpatients .
• Asuitablecontainerforsafedisposalofneedlesorothersharpimplements .
• Asuitablecontainerfittedwithdisposablebagorlinerforsoileddressingsandgloves .
• Firstaidkitappropriatetotheworkplace .
• Sufficientsupplyofsoapanddisposabletowels,trays,glovesandbowls .
information
• Detailsofthefirstaidplan .
• Namesandcontactnumbersforfirstaiders,andexternalemergencyorganisations
(e .g .000,hospitals,PoisonsInformationCentre,localmedicalservice) .
• CurrenteditionofanoccupationalfirstaidhandbookapprovedbyWorkCover .
Additionalitemsorequipmentmayalsoberequired,dependingontheoutcomesofthe
firstaidassessment .
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appendix 2: prescribed kits (refer ohs regulation 2001)
First aid kits Contents
desCription oF applianCe or reQUisite First aid kit
a B C
Adhesiveplasticdressingstrips,sterile,packetsof50 2 1 1
Adhesivedressingtape,2 .5cmx5cm 1 1 –
Bags,plastic,foramputatedparts:small 2 1 1
medium 2 1 1
large 2 1 –
Dressing,non-adherent,sterile,7 .5cmx7 .5cm 5 2 –
Eyepads,sterile 5 2 –
Gauzebandages5cm 3 1 1
10cm 3 1 –
Gloves,disposable,single 10 4 2
Rescueblanket,silverspace 1 1 –
Safetypins,packets 1 1 1
Scissors,blunt/short-nosed,minimumlength12 .5cm 1 1 –
Splinterforceps 1 1 –
Sterileeyewashsolution,10mlsingleuseampulesorsachets 12 6 –
Swabs,pre-packed,antiseptic,packsof10 1 1 –
Triangularbandages,minimum90cm 8 4 1
Wounddressings,sterile,non-medicated,large 10 3 1
Firstaidpamphlet(asapprovedbyWorkCover) 1 1 1
First aid kit a– Forconstructionsitesatwhich25ormorepersonsworkandforotherplaces
ofworkatwhich100ormorepersonswork .
First aid kit B– Forconstructionsitesatwhichlessthan25personsworkandforotherplaces
ofworkatwhichlessthan100andmorethan10personswork .
First aid kit C– Foranyplaceofwork,otherthanaconstructionsite,atwhich10orless
personswork .
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19
notes
20
notes
Catalogue No. WC00121 WorkCover Publications Hotline 1300 799 003
WorkCover NSW 92-100 Donnison Street Gosford NSW 2250Locked Bag 2906 Lisarow NSW 2252 WorkCover Assistance Service 13 10 50Website www.workcover.nsw.gov.au
ISBN 1 876995 72 6 ©Copyright WorkCover NSW 0308