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Agriculture workbook

11. Emergency procedures & first aid

Contents

  1. The law
  2. First aid
  3. First aid kit
  4. First aid training
  5. Further information

1. The law

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 and Regulations, the person who has responsibility for the workplace has:

  • specific obligations for emergency evacuations – including having an evacuation procedure in place to protect anyone at the workplace in the event of an emergency; and
  • a general ‘duty of care’ obligation to prepare for potential emergencies that might occur – including identifying potential hazards that could arise in case of an emergency and ensuring that workers will not be exposed to them.

Procedures need to be developed for emergencies such as:

  • accidents;
  • medical emergencies;
  • fire, both structural and bush fires;
  • cyclones / destructive winds; and
  • floods.

It is best practice to have emergency telephone numbers and call signs readily available as part of the emergency procedures. In addition, the address of the property and easy directions on how to get there are vital for emergency procedures. A list of emergency telephone numbers should include:

  • hospital
  • doctor
  • ambulance
  • fire brigade
  • police station
  • shire office
  • Poisons Information Centre 13 1126.

2. First aid

The initial treatment a person receives directly after an injury, accident or when they become ill at work is extremely important.

3. First aid kit

A first aid kit may be of any size, shape, or type providing it is large enough to contain all the supplies required to suit the property and the types of injuries that may occur. First aid kits need to be provided and located to ensure they are immediately accessible. Access for people working in isolated or remote locations must be taken into account. Additional information on or near the top of a first aid kit should include:

  • the name, address and telephone number of the nearest medical or emergency service; and
  • instructions for emergency treatment of injuries that may be specific to the workplace.

4. First aid training

The level of training for first aid needs to be determined when first aid facilities and services are being planned. As a general rule, the more remote the property is from professional medical help, the higher the standard of first aid training is required. As an absolute minimum one person who is at the property all the time must hold current first aid qualifications.

5. Further information

The Commission for Occupational Safety and Health has published the following publications:

 

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