Accidents in the workplace are inevitable. We can prepare for any worst-case scenario but we can only do so much when tragedies happen. It is vital that there is constant coordination between management and employees in ensuring first aid compliance at the workplace.
The Work Health and Safety Act (WH&SA) provides strict guidelines on the implementation of safety measures at work. When accidents happen, it is mandated that the proper tools, training and knowledge are in place. Emphasis is given on first aid. The act also articulates on its compliance and adherence to different requirements.
First aid assessments
Complying with the First Aid requirements can have a great consequential effect in the work area. Intricacies in the provisions are expressly designed to ensure that all aspects are covered. It is also imperative that these procedures are updated regularly.
This can pose a challenge for some companies. There’s this library of first aid resources (http://alscofirstaid.com.au/first-aid-resources/) that contains helpful first aid signs, first aid compliance guide, visual guides and first aid resource materials to help you get started.
The state of first aid compliance
Figures illustrating the compliance rates of major cities and territories show a rather dreary picture. Victoria ranks first on the list but it only shows a dismal 15.4% compliance rate. It is therefore alarming that the rest on the list will provide lower numbers.
Here are the numbers to illustrate the landscape:
- Victoria: 15.4%
- New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory: 14.3%
- South Australia and Tasmania: 10%
- Queensland and Northern territory: 9%
- Western Australia: 8.8%
Only one 10 companies met new standards in Western Australia. The prevailing question now is how stringent the rules are. In terms of compliance assessment, three key factors are considered: accredited training, workplace resources and drills and procedures.
Defining compliance
Most people are stuck at the traditional notion of first aid. This procedure is actually more complicated than usual. First aid compliance entails the readiness of a company to respond to all kinds of medical emergencies. It does not end at buying a first aid kit.
The exact professional response is just among its mandatory measures – from administering treatment to the arrival of EMS up until an injured person is taken to the hospital.
First aid compliance revolves around three core necessities:
- A sufficient ratio of personnel to trained first aid employees depending on population size in the workplace
- Adequate provisions, amenities and equipment
- A clear cut process on emergency response
Each core competency is highly dependent on the other. Should you have any doubts on your workplace’s compliance, look for organisations such as ours, www.alscofirstaid.com.au/first-aid-resources/, to provide your office with an independent assessment of the first aid status of your company. Each step taken must be guaranteed to be WH&SA compliant.
Katrina McKinnon, Community Outreach Manager, Alsco Australia
