First aid in the workplace

First aid is the initial response to a person suffering from an injury or illness. For a business, being prepared to offer first aid to anyone in the workplace – including employees, visitors, contractors and more – is essential.

Employer’s first aid responsibilities

A key duty for any employer is to provide a safe workplace, including access to first aid facilities, supplies, personnel and training. A first aid room may also be required, depending on the nature of the workplace.

In addition to keeping the workplace safe, effective first aid may help to save money by reducing lost time.

Workplaces are considered either low or high risk, depending on the industry, the nature of the work and the individual workplace.

• A low-risk workplace is one in which employees are exposed to minor hazards — that is, those that aren’t likely to result in serious illness or injury.
• A high-risk workplace is one in which employees are exposed to hazards that may result in serious illness or injury.

In addition to providing first aid provisions and planning, employers need to ensure that their workers compensation insurance is current and reflects all risks of the industry.

Learn more about Workers Compensation Insurance

Identifying your workplace needs

First aid officers need to be able to provide effective first aid. Refresher training should be undertaken as required. All workers should know who the first aid officers are and how to contact them in an emergency. Sending an email to all workers and placing informative posters around central areas in the workplace may assist in sharing this vital information.

As a minimum, first aid officers should hold a current senior first aid certificate, or competency based equivalent from a Registered Training Organisation. A higher level or additional training may be required to ensure first aiders have the most current and appropriate skills to manage risks identified in your workplace.

First aid kits

Kits should be identifiable and located in easily accessible areas. Depending on your work environment, you may need multiple first aid kits, and supplementary stations which include a defibrillator. All workers should know where the kits are located, and work processes established to ensure appropriate supplies are maintained and are in date.

First aid room

A first aid room is a dedicated space that offers privacy to any potential patient. Depending on your work requirements, a first aid room may be necessary for you to meet your legislative duties as an employer.

First aid records

All workplace accidents and first aid treatments should be recorded in a confidential and professional manner. The information should be retained and regularly reported to management. This data may be helpful when exploring ways to mitigate risk in the workplace.

Workers Compensation Insurance for the workplace

GIO offers Workers Compensation Insurance for businesses in Western Australia, the Northern Territory, the Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania.

Training courses are available for GIO customers. These can help businesses prevent workplace injuries and reduce associated claims costs. Customers can also access discounted accredited training courses provided through our partnership with National Safety Council of Australia Foundation (NSCA).

Please get in touch for more information on the training courses or if you have any risk management queries.

Contact GIO

Read more

• Managing mental health in the workplace
• The different types of business insurance
• Is insurance tax deductible?

In NSW, AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as GIO is an agent for the Workers Compensation Nominal Insurer ABN 83 564 379 108/003, also known as icare workers insurance. In WA, ACT, TAS & NT, insurance is issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as GIO.