WHO NEEDS THIS LETTER?

This letter is required for a First Aider who has been appointed as the overall First Aid Co-ordinator for first aid in the workplace. They will be responsible for the overall functioning of all first aid activities and maintenance in the workplace.

WHAT IS THIS LETTER FOR?

This letter will apply to larger organisations where there are a number of First Aiders on the premises and an overall responsible person is required to manage these First Aiders in a co-ordinated manner when an emergency arises. The letter allows the person to act under the authority of the 16(2) in order to ensure all first aid activities and maintenance work correctly in order to deal with any workplace medical emergencies.

WHY IS THIS LETTER IMPORTANT?

This letter shows that in larger organisations an overall responsible person has been appointed to manage and co-ordinate first aid activities on a larger scale. This provides evidence to an inspector that a basic structure is in place to manage and co-ordinate first aid when an emergency arises. This letter is relevant under section 3(4) of the General Safety Regulations of the OHS Act, where these conditions apply and its availability shows that the employer is taking steps to comply with these Regulations in respects of ensuring that emergency measures are in place to deal with any medical emergencies which arise within larger workplaces. 

VALIDITY

This letter needs to be signed by the 16(2) (as the appointer) and by the appointee, dated and kept on record where it can be accessible to an inspector. Each appointee must be a First Aider who is more senior and experienced and must undergo accredited first aid training in order to be competent to perform these duties.

HOW DOES THIS WORK AS A CONTROL MEASURE?

In the hierarchy of controls this letter forms part of the administrative control measures which should be in place to ensure that emergency measures are in place in the event of an emergency arising. This letter ensures that a responsible person is appointed to oversee emergency measures are in place to deal with any medical emergencies which arise within larger workplaces.