Overview
The new Workplace Health & Safety (“WHS”) laws aim to provide all workers across Australia with a unified approach towards health and safety protection.
A national approach means greater certainty for businesses, particularly those who work across different state borders.
It also means it’s easier for you, the consumer, to ensure you are purchasing a workplace compliant kit. Gone are the days of different first aid kit requirements across all the States and Territories.
First Aid in the workplace
The code of practice defines first aid as:
“First aid is the immediate treatment or care given to a person suffering from an injury or illness until more advanced care is provided or the person recovers”
Who is responsible in the workplace?
A Person Conducting a Business or undertaking (“PCBU”) has the primary duty under the WHS Act to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, that workers and other persons are not exposed to health and safety risks arising from the business or undertaking.
Code of Practice essentials
- First aid equipment must be provided in the workplace
- Each worker/employee must have access to the equipment
- There must be appropriate access to facilities for the administration of first aid
- There must be an adequate number of workers trained to administer first aid in the workplace
First Aid KIT requirements
- Your workplace must have at least 1 first aid kit
- You must ensure it is accessible to all employees
- Your KIT needs to be located in a prominent and accessible location. It should be closer to areas with a higher risk of injury
- You must maintain your kit regularly by ensuring it is restocked. We recommend restocking after accidents and every 3 months to ensure you remain compliant
