What are the first-aid requirements for my workplace?- Top
Clause 20 of the OHS Regulation 2001 sets out certain minimum standards for first aid, however, no two workplaces are exactly the same (See FAQ re minimum requirements).
First aid facilities must be adequate for the immediate treatment of the injuries that might arise at the workplace.
The factors that will determine your best first aid plan depend upon the industry you operate in and the specific activities in your workplace.
To ensure adequate first aid provisions, employers must identify their potential problems, assess their requirements and consult with employees in the process.
What are the legal requirements for the training of first aid personnel?- Top
Access to trained first aid personnel must be provided wherever there are more than 25 persons employed at a place of work. (Clause 20(2)(b) of OHS Regulation).
Under Clause 20(1) of the Regulation, trained first aid personnel means:
- 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 New South Wales ambulance officer; or
- a registered nurse, or
- a medical practitioner.
Under Clause 20(7) of the Regulation, a first aid room must be under the control of a person who satisfies the above definition of "trained first aid personnel".
What are the minimum requirements for first aid kits?- Top
Clause 20 of the OHS Regulation 2001 sets out the minimum first aid requirements for the sites or places listed below.
It is important to note that the list represents minimum requirements only and that additional contents and numbers of kits may be needed depending on your workplace hazards and the type of injuries or illness likely to occur - see previous FAQ.
- Construction sites where 25 or more people work or other places of work where 100 or more people work - First Aid Kit A.
- Construction sites where less than 25 people work or other places of work where less than 100 and more than 10 people work. - First Aid Kit B.
- Places of work (other than construction sites) where 10 or less people work - First Aid Kit C.
- Places of work where more than 200 people work, or at a construction site where more than 100 people work. (See clause 20(7)) - First Aid Room.
Clause 20(5) contains the details of what is contained in each First Aid Kit. The employer must ensure the First Aid Kit (if more than 25 persons employed) is under the control of trained first aid personnel. (See clause 20(6)).
Note: It is recommended that a record of injuries and treatments provided be kept in a first aid box. This register is separate from the Register of Injuries required under the Workplace Injury Management and Workers Compensation Act 1998.
What needs to be included in the first aid kit or first aid room?- Top
Refer to Clause 20(5) of the Regulation for more information about the contents of First Aid Kits.
Refer to Clause 20 (7) of the Regulation for more information about the requirements for a First Aid Room.
The requirements for a First Aid Room, include:
- control of room by trained first aid personnel
- readily accessible location
- well lit and ventilated
- storage and equipment requirements.