Frequently Asked Questions - First Aid

Do we need to have a first aid room in our workplace?

Employers should provide a first aid room for any workplace with more than 200 employees or, where the workplace is considered high-risk and has more than 25 employees as outlined in the OHS Code 2008.

What is a high risk workplace?

‘High-risk work’ – means any work that involves a high likelihood of injury or illness for which the consequence of injury is severe. The type of injuries can include – contusions or fractures, gunshot wounds, blast or knife injuries, sunburn, sprains and strains, and burns or poisoning from a hazardous substance.

High-risk workplaces where high-risk activities are undertaken may include working:

• at heights
• in high-risk confined spaces
• where people (custodial) or animals are restrained (laboratories)
• where there is high-risk of workplace violence or traumatic injury
• with plant, equipment and instruments that can cause traumatic injury
• with hazardous substances, biological hazards, explosives and dangerous goods
• with hazards associated with sources of energy including electricity and radiation.

Does the employer need to provide first aid to third parties?

First aid services to third parties may be offered in a number of different circumstances, including when:

• a member of the public suffers an illness or injury that happens close to, or at a location where an employee is at work
• an employee stops to assist at a vehicle or road accident whilst they are considered to be on duty or at work
• someone is injured at a function or event organised or controlled by the organisation.

It is important to note that first aid officers are trained to administer first aid to any person who is in need of assistance. They would generally be indemnified against legal action whilst they adhere to the provisions of their first aid training and act in good faith.

Part 2 of the OHS Code 2008, does not specifically include or exclude first aid services to third parties. It is therefore the employer's responsibility to decide whether to provide this service or make other arrangements, such as calling 000. Employers should consider seeking legal or other professional advice if they are concerned about, or wish to clarify, their position over liability issues in the event of first aid being rendered to third parties.

Do we need an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) in our workplace?

There is no current legislation that either supports or excludes the use of an AED in a workplace where the Act applies.

However, Comcare does recognise and accept as evidence of good practice, the changes to first aid guidelines, announced in February 2006, from The Australian Resuscitation Council (see www.resus.org.au). These changes now include an AED in the standard emergency plan of Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, CPR and Defibrillation (DRABCD). The guidelines also support the introduction of AEDs into public access locations and workplaces.

Where an employer elects to have an AED in the workplace, they should ensure that:

• the AED is located in a clearly visible location (for example, a main reception or foyer area)
• the AED is accessible to all employees and other persons within the workplace
• there is clear signage in the workplace which identifies the location of the AED
• regular maintenance inspection procedures are established to ensure that the AED is operational and the pads are not out of date.

The AED is designed so that it cannot be accidentally or inappropriately used on another person, therefore vicarious liability is no higher than under current first aid practices.

Do we need additional first aid equipment, supplies or services in our workplace?

The decision to increase first aid equipment, supplies or services should be based on a risk assessment process in consultations with First Aid Officers and Health and Safety Committees. Part 1 of the OHS Code 2008 provides practical guidance on risk management.

In some high-risk workplaces and remote locations, additional equipment, supplies or services such as oxygen and specialised first aid kits may be required. When determining if there are additional requirements, an employer should consider:

a)    the distance from ambulance services and the expected call out times
b)    the type of work being undertaken
c)    remote locations
d)    the risk of injury or death and
e)    the availability of other medical support.

Part 2 of the OHS Code 2008 addresses additional equipment e.g. Oxygen and AEDs. Based on the results of any risk assessments employers should decide whether additional arrangements for the provision of other first aid equipment, supplies or services are necessary. Employers may also benefit by consulting with a first aid specialist or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) to determine what services or equipment may be suitable.

Where a workplace stores or uses chemicals, hazardous substances and/or dangerous goods, specialised first aid arrangements should be provided according to the directions on the relevant Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Facilities may need to include emergency showers, eyewash stations and when required, poison antidotes and if the workplace is in a remote location, employers should also consider remote area training for the First Aid Officer and the provision of remote area first aid kits.

Note: where there is a reference to the ‘OHS Code 2008’ it refers to the Occupational Health and Safety Code of Practice 2008.