WorkCover Port Macquarie Principal Inspector Rodney Allan says many Mid North Coast businesses and workers take for granted the importance of proper amenities and first aid – but need to be more wary.
“Every worker should go home safely at the end of the day and under NSW work health and safety laws businesses must provide adequate amenities and first aid,” Mr Allan said.
“If a worker is injured, first aid can reduce the severity of the injury and, in extreme cases, a quick response can mean the difference between life and death.
“First aid requirements vary depending on the nature of work carried out, including the size and location, the number and composition of workers and hazards at the site.
“Every business must provide first aid equipment and ensure that each worker has access to equipment and facilities to administer first aid.
“They must also ensure there is an adequate number of workers trained to administer first aid that workers have access to them.”
Mr Allan said workers should have a clear understanding of first aid in their workplace.
“Under work health and safety laws, workers must comply with any reasonable instruction and cooperate with any reasonable policy or procedure relating to health and safety at the workplace, including first aid and the reporting of injuries and illnesses,” he said.
“A business should also regularly review their first aid arrangements in consultation with workers to ensure they remain adequate and effective.”
Proprietor of Stihl Shop Port Macquarie, Peter Grob said having effective first aid systems was a priority for their business.
“We are committed to ensuring our staff have adequate first aid training and access to equipment and facilities to administer it,” Mr Grob said.
“As a small business we recognise our obligation to each other’s safety and these systems enable us to treat any workplace injury quickly and limit their severity.”
A draft code of practice First Aid in the Workplace provides practical guidance for the provision of appropriate first aid in the workplace including first aid training, first aid kits, procedures and facilities. For more information about first aid requirements or the Small Business Rebate Program visit the WorkCover website or call 13 10 50.
