Responsible Australian businesses insist on basic first aid knowledge – Red Cross

ONLY 13 percent of Australian workplaces are compliant with the First Aid National Code of Practice, while more than 65 percent of Australian employers are unaware of their First Aid obligations.

This is a statistic Australian Red Cross is looking to change as part of World First Aid Day on the September 9.

Research shows only 50 percent of Australian workplaces offer first aid training to their staff. 

Red Cross trainer Janie McCullagh said with less than 5 percent of people being trained in first aid, Australia was far behind other developed nations in ability to respond effectively in an emergency situation.

This lack of First Aid knowledge is costing businesses financially, with Safe Work Australia reporting that work related injury and illness were estimated to cost $60.6 billion in the 2008–09 financial year, representing 4.8 percent of GDP.

“While accidents can’t always be prevented, ensuring you have staff on hand that have fundamental first aid training and knowledge ensures the workplace is prepared and that you get the best outcome for those injured,” Ms McCullagh said.

In the lead up to World First Aid Day, Australian Red Cross is encouraging business owners and management to put the safety of their staff first and book First Aid Training for the workplace.

As an added incentive, Australian Red Cross is offering 10 percent off all workplace First Aid training booked. Refresher courses are also available.

To book, call 1300 367 428

 redcross.org.au/first-aid.aspx

Red Cross first aid kits can be viewed at redcross.org.au/firstaidkits

 

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