Would your team know what to do in an Emergency?
Did you know that First Aid Officers are required to be appointed at workplaces under Australian WHS laws? Did you know Codes of Practice are now enforceable by law in QLD?
1. What does this mean exactly for your workplace?
It is simple really – Employers MUST ensure provision of and access to first aid equipment/facilities AND have an adequate number of workers trained to administer first aid. (notice the word ‘must’; it helps businesses understand what is required). This means you are going to need a select number of people trained in First Aid to administer it.
2. How do you know how many workers will need this training?
This might sound complex but really it isn’t. It is based on risk assessment. If you are not sure what to do, check out the embedded link in this blog to understand how to complete a risk assessment. This will help you determine the ratio of first aiders needed (link on the WHSQ website). It is inside the ‘First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice’ - making it nice and easy.
Below is a list of example questions you would ask to complete the assessment:
· How many people work at your workplace?
· What is the nature of the work undertaken there?
· How far is the closest medical centre or hospital?
· What is the demographic of the workers?
· What kinds of shifts are undertaken at the workplace?
· What kind of activities are undertaken? E.g Low risk/High Risk activities.
· How many injuries have occurred in the last year?
· What were the types of injuries have occurred?
All these factors determine how many first aiders are required. The risk assessment should be reviewed every year to check that you always have enough people trained.
You are aiming to understand whether you have enough coverage for your workplace.
3. How often does a First Aider need training?
Every 3 years for First Aid.
4. What about the CPR component? How often does that need to be refreshed?
The CPR component of the First Aid certificate is valid for 12 months and must be renewed every year to keep your qualification current.
5. What are the benefits of having a First Aider at the ready?
It could mean the difference between life and death. The aim is to reduce the severity of the injury or illness and promote recovery. This can only be done by providing quick and effective first aid to workers injured or who become ill at work.
Having a team trained at the ready to help, sends a clear message that a business genuinely cares about the safety and wellbeing of the team.
6. What are the benefits to the Workplace?
Workplace accidents and injuries can be costly to a business in many ways – it encompasses costs such as work cover claims and medical benefits, delays in production. This can prove quite costly.
Of course, there is the human cost – which is irreplaceable and can never be underestimated.
It makes good business sense to make an investment in your people to help them, help you.
How can F.A.S.T. First Aid help your team?
We offer a range of first aid training for your workplace. Contact us today for a quote.
We would love to meet your team and provide their training – no long, boring stories guaranteed!