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 .

3

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 .

4

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 .

6

• 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 .

7

• 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 .

9

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 .

10

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 .

11

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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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