Safety will always be a significant issue in the workplace regardless of the industry concerned. While not every job is considered dangerous, there are always possible hazards in the workplace. Experts have classified workplace hazards depending on their causes, namely; workload, ergonomic, physical, chemical, biological, and safety.

Employers are morally and legally obligated to ensure the safety of their employees. One of the best ways to do that is to provide their employees with first aid training. No one can predict accidents but when they do happen, basic first aid knowledge will determine the severity of the situation.


Is first aid training accessible?

There are many options when it comes to first aid courses in Melbourne. If you are worried about employee downtime during training, you can always choose courses that will fit your schedule. Some organizations offer a one-day course in first aid and release your certification on the same day. First aid courses are now more accessible for individuals and companies in various locations.

Depending on the first aid course you opt for, your employees would be able to respond to emergencies such as heart attacks, anaphylactic shock, and other injuries common in the workplace. For sure, they will be more confident and qualified first aid providers after the course.

Is first aid training required?

Regardless of the safety requirement provided by law, employers are morally and legally responsible for the safety of their workplaces. All establishments, regardless of size, should be equipped with a first aid kit to save lives.

While the rules are less stringent on small businesses that are considered low-risk, the law provides stricter requirements for larger and high-risk businesses. The requirement to have a certified first-aid provider also varies depending on the size of the business. But if you value the well-being of your employees, then you wouldn’t hesitate to have a well-trained first-aid provider in your store or office

As a general rule, there should be one certified first aider in a low-risk workplace with 50 employees, one in a high-risk workplace with 25 employees, and one in a high-risk and remote workplace for every 10 employees.

The Code of Practice provides varying requirements for first aid facilities and equipment depending on the workplace location, the type of work or business being carried out, the number of employees, and the actual hazards involved in the workplace.

These factors should be assessed first before deciding on which first aid equipment and facilities to install, and the first aid kits to prepare. Among the items commonly included in a first aid kit are:

  • batteries
  • flash lights
  • burn ointments
  • basic medicine

First Aid Certification in Australia

Australia’s Work Health and Safety Act does not only require all workplaces to be equipped with equipment and facilities for first aid. It also requires workplaces to have well-trained first aiders. Instead of hiring a trained first-aider, most companies require their employees to enrol in first aid training courses. This way, the employer can rely on a pool of certified first aiders to ensure the safety of the employees at all times.

Acquiring a first aid certification will not only be beneficial for the employer but also for the employees. First aid knowledge will come in handy not only in the workplace but also in your homes and your community. Make sure you choose an accredited organization that will conduct the first aid training.

By doing this, you can be sure that your first aid certificate will be recognized all over the country. Choose from a first aid course that will equip you not only with the basic knowledge in first aid but also with life-saving skills. You can opt for a course that will teach you how to conduct cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), or a course specifically tailored for your workplace or employment setting.

Getting your first aid certification is, however, not a lifetime qualification. You need to renew your certificate every three years to ensure that your knowledge is up-to-date, and you remain a competent first aid provider. If you are a holder of a first-aid certificate with CPR then you are required by law to renew your certification since it involves the use of a defibrillator and specific life-saving equipment.