Principles/Priorities of First Aid Practices

Let us learn the principles and/or priorities of first aid practices today.

Safe Manual Handling

Manual handling includes pulling, pushing, lifting, carrying, restraining, or holding any person or object.

Assessing the situation and the load:

• Can you move the person yourself, or is help required?
• How far will you have to move the person?
• Is the pathway of the work environment clear or cluttered?
• Are there any manual handling aids available? (sheets/lifting equipment etc.)
• Test the weight by lifting the corners or tilting the object
• Ask for help if it is too heavy

Use of good lifting techniques:

• Use good body mechanics – maintain a straight back, bend your legs and use equipment when available
• Maintain a large base of support (stabilising using your feet)
• Don’t move a casualty on your own
• Lift only as a last resort (the best lift is NO lift – unless life-threatening)
• Keep the object close to your body

Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace

First Aid in the Workplace

The Model Code of Practice (CoP) on first aid in the workplace is an approved code of practice under section 274 of the Work Health and Safety Act (the WHS Act).

An approved code of practice provides practical guidance on how to achieve the standards of work health and safety required under the WHS Act and the Work Health and Safety Regulations (the WHS Regulations) and effective ways to identify and manage risks

(Excerpt from the Model First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: July 2019, Paragraphs 1 & 2, Page 4)

The Model Code of Practice for first aid in the workplace gives directional guidance on several first aid needs that include:

1. An overview of Model Code of Practice: first aid in the workplace
   a. Who has health and safety duties in first aid?
   b. What is required to provide first aid?
2. How to determine first aid requirements for your workplace
   a. The nature of the work and workplace hazards
   b. Size and location of the workplace
   c. The number and composition of workers and others at the workplace 3
3. First aid equipment, facilities and training
   a. First aid kits
   b. First aid signage
   c. Other first aid equipment
   d. First aid facilities
   e. First aiders
   f. First aid training, procedures, and emergency plans
   g. Providing first aid information
   h. Reviewing your first aid requirement

Each state or territory has implemented its code of practice (CoP) for first aid in the workplace. Several States have implemented their First Aid CoP based on the national model code of practice developed by Safe Work Australia, as noted above, as part of harmonising work health and safety laws. States and Territories to do so are:

• Australian Capital Territory – ACT
• New South Wales – NSW
• Northern Territory
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Tasmania

While meeting national safety legislation requirements, the other states, Victoria and Western Australia, have their state-based version of the First Aid Code of Practice.

First Aiders

The person/s conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must ensure an adequate number of workers are trained to administer first aid at the workplace or have access to a sufficient number of other people trained to administer first aid.

At a minimum, the first aider should hold a nationally recognised Statement/s of Attainment issued by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) for the nationally endorsed first aid unit of competency. Provide first aid or a first aid course that provides equivalent skills. A higher level or additional training may be required to ensure your first aiders have appropriate skills for the risks you have identified in your workplace.

(Excerpt from the Model First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: July 2019, Paragraphs 1 & 5, Page 17)

Workplace First Aid Kits:

Whether a person works at high-risk workplaces or low-risk workplaces, all workers must be able to access a first aid kit. This will require at least one first aid kit at their workplace.

The first aid kit should provide essential equipment for administering first aid for injuries, including:

• Cuts, scratches, punctures, grazes and splinters
• Antiseptic for any wounds
• Muscular sprains and strains
• Minor burns
• Amputations and significant bleeding wounds
• Broken bones
• Eye injuries
• Shock

Defibrillators are also essential pieces of first-aid equipment that should be included in first-aid kits. They can essentially help reduce fatalities if cardiac arrest occurs.

Workplace First Aid Kits: – Risk Assessment

The contents of first aid kits should be based on a risk assessment. For example, there may be a higher risk of eye injuries and a need for more eye pads in a workplace involving machinery or chemicals. For example, where:

• Hazardous chemicals, liquids, or powders are handled in open containers
• Spraying, hosing or abrasive blasting operations are carried out
• There is a possibility of flying particles causing eye injuries
• There is a risk of splashing or spraying infectious materials or
• Welding, cutting or machining operations are carried out.

Extra equipment may be needed in remote workplaces for severe burns, breathing difficulties, or allergic reactions.

(Excerpt from the Model First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: July 2019, Paragraphs 5 to 7, Page 12)

Workplace First Aid Kits: – Medication

Medication, including analgesics like paracetamol and aspirin, should not be included in first aid kits because they have the potential to cause adverse health effects in some people, including pregnant women and people with medical conditions like asthma. Drugs and poison laws may also control the supply of these medications. Workers requiring prescribed and over-the-counter medications should carry them for personal use as necessary.

However, workplaces may consider including an asthma-relieving inhaler, a spacer to treat asthma attacks, and an epinephrine auto-injector for treating anaphylaxis or severe allergies. These should be stored according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and first aiders should be provided with appropriate training.

Some workplaces may require extra equipment to treat specific injuries or illnesses, and first aiders may need additional training.

(Excerpt from the Model First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: July 2019, Paragraphs 1 to 3, Page 31)

Workplace First Aid Kits: – Design of kits

First aid kits can be any size, shape or type to suit your workplace, but each kit should:

• Be large enough to contain the necessary items.
• Be immediately identifiable with a white cross on a green background prominently displayed outside.
• Contain a list of the contents of that kit.
• It should be made of material that will protect the contents from dust, moisture, and contamination.

Image: Commander F6 Series workplace first aid kit from Aero Healthcare

(Excerpt from the Model First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: July 2019, last Paragraph, Page 12)

Workplace First Aid Kits: – Contents of Kits

For most workplaces, a first aid kit should include the following items, as shown in the table:

Workplace First Aid Kits:– Maintenance of Kits

First aid kits should be well maintained.

Check that all items are in good condition*, within the expiration date, and if any items are missing. Replenish required items.

*Sterile items (single-use) should be sealed, and the packaging should be unbroken.

For further information on the first aid kit requirements, go to _first_aid_in_the_workplace_0_0.pdf

Staying Prepared

A risk management approach to all hazards is recommended for all workplaces. There are many safety risks and dangers to consider. These include things like the risk of falls, having the right equipment, such as first aid rooms and eye wash stations, to name a few, disclaimers and information on dangerous chemicals, and even having the proper personal protective equipment for the jobs at hand.

If you have concerns about your workplace, contact your safety representative to investigate or voice any issues you may have.

CONCLUSION

Do you know what the principles of first aid are? Our blog post outlined five key priorities of first aid practices. Knowing these priorities can help you provide primary care to an injured person before emergency responders arrive. Following these will ensure the duty holder and additional labour hire stay safe.

Part of being prepared, though, includes understanding. To become first aid certified, check out our course offerings. We offer a variety of modules and courses that will equip you with the skills necessary to handle common emergencies.

Remember, first aid is always best practised with a friend, so make sure you know your nearest neighbour with a CPR certificate!