Australian Capital Territory
Work Safety (ACT Code of Practice for First Aid) Code of Practice 2011
Disallowable Instrument DI 2011 - 98
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 refer consult the ACT Work Safety Council.  At its 3rd on 18 June 2010, the Council noted that approval would be sought to have the ACT Code of Practice for First Aid notified as a Code of Practice in the ACT.

The Code of Practice provides guidance to persons conducting or administering First Aid at business or undertaking. The Code sets out practical guidance to prevent the occurrence of injury and illness, and practical guidance for administering First Aid. 

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 interested in reducing the likelihood of injury and illness to a workers . 

Following the Code could produce benefits that include-

•	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 commences on the day after notification. 

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