Australian Capital Territory
Work Safety (ACT Code of Practice for First Aid in the Workplace) Code of Practice 2010 
Disallowable instrument DI 2010 - 227
made under the  
Work Safety Act 2008, section 18 (Codes of Practice)

Explanatory Statement

Section 18 of the Work Safety Act 2008 provides that the Minister may approve a code of practice to provide practical guidance about the Act.  Section 18(2) provides that before approving a proposed code of practice, the Minister must consult with the ACT Work Safety Council.  At its 3rd meeting on 18 June 2010, the Council noted that approval would be sought to have the ACT Code of Practice for First Aid in the Workplace notified as a Code of Practice in the ACT.

The Code provides guidance on the provision of First Aid in the Workplace.  It sets out practical guidance on the provision of First Aid kits, and, the provision of First Aid Personnel and First Aid Rooms, and where the provision is appropriate.

An employer, an owner of premises used as a workplace, a designer, manufacturer or supplier of places of work or of items for use in a workplace, a health and safety representative, an OHS professional, a worker or anyone else responsible for the provision of first aid amenities will implement the recommendations in this Code.
 
The objects of the Code are to assist in reducing the incidence and severity of injuries to workers from the performance of manual tasks, and to reduce injury costs.

Following the Code could produce benefits that include-

•	improved business performance, efficiency and productivity;
•	fewer workers’ compensation claims, which may lead to lower premiums;
•	faster and easier return to work for workers who do sustain an injury;
•	fewer absences from work, and less disruption;
•	retention of skilled workers;  and
•	a safe workplace with a positive safety culture.

This instrument takes effect on 1 October 2010.

An approval under section 18 (1) is a disallowable instrument.