I know I’ve spoken about First Aid in the past, and I’ll probably talk about it again in the future – but today I want you to ask yourself…do you need it?

I’m heading off to teach my first course for 2015 today, so I thought it was an appropriate time to remind you all to have a serious think about First Aid.

As a business owner, you should have a policy in place to regularly review your First Aid needs. Do you need a First Aid Room, or will a First Aid Kit suffice, and is it fully stocked?  Do you have up to date policies and procedures? Do you have adequately trained personnel?

The Victorian Workcover Authority advises that while each workplace is different, the answers to the above questions may be impacted by the following:

• the nature of hazards and the severity of risk
• the size, layout and location of the workplace
• the number of employees and their work arrangements, including location, shift work, overtime and flexible hours
• access to medical services
• any previous injuries or illnesses

As an employee, you too should want to have the required knowledge to act in First Aid situations, or at least know who to turn to for help – and for some occupations, a valid First Aid certificate is a requirement!

I’m currently teaching Fist Aid for Western District Employment Access in Warrnambool. Drop them a line if you are interested in attending one of our courses.

Regards