New guide helps workplaces provide first aid

A new first aid guide will help employers comply with their legal obligations and keep their workers safe.

The Department of Labour’s First Aid for Workplaces – a Good Practice Guide was launched today at the combined NZ Occupational Health Nurses Association and NZ Institute of Safety Management conference in Wellington. The guide includes easy-to-use worksheets to help employers tailor their first aid preparations to suit the hazards in their individual workplace.

Some workplaces have greater risks than others because of the sort of work they do, says the Department’s Chief Adviser for Workplace Health and Safety, Dr Geraint Emrys. “These risks are important in deciding first aid requirements because different first aid may be needed for different activities,” Dr Emrys says.

“Circumstances that can affect first aid needs include potentially dangerous chemicals or machinery, potentially dangerous activities like working at heights, and other factors - like how many people are in the workplace and how far away they are from medical help.”

First Aid for Workplaces includes a checklist of things people should think about when deciding what first aid is needed. There’s information on content for first aid kits, guidance on when first aiders are needed, and tips on how to inform staff about first aid help that’s available at their workplace.

Every year thousands of people are injured or fall sick at work – some seriously, says Dr Emrys. “A quick and competent first aid response can mean the difference between life and death, or can reduce the severity of the injury. There is also a legal requirement for workplaces to take all practicable steps to provide first aid facilities under the Health and Safety in Employment Regulations 1995, and to have procedures for dealing with emergencies under the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 (HSE Act).

The guide replaces an earlier one published in 2001. It takes account of recent regulatory changes, including the withdrawal of the Factories and Commercial Premises (First Aid) Regulations 1985. It was developed with the help of industry experts and reflects best practice.

To download information visit:

Guide http://osh.govt.nz/publications/booklets/first-aid-2009/index.asp
Fact sheet http://osh.govt.nz/publications/factsheets/first-aid-at-work.html