New First Aid Code

New Approved Code of Practice for First Aid in the Workplace

Following an extensive two-year consultation process, a new Approved Code of Practice for First Aid in the Workplace (the new Code) has been approved by the South Australian Government under Section 63 of the Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Act 1986, on the recommendation of the SafeWork SA Advisory Committee.

The new Code:

reflects a more contemporary and best practice approach to first aid
better recognises the needs of different workplaces
brings South Australia's requirements more in line with those interstate, paving the way to a smoother transition to national uniformity.

The new Code will come into operation on 10 December 2010.

A transitional period has been set to give workplaces time to consider and understand the provisions of the new Code (such as first aid kits, training and facilities) and be in a position to meet its requirements in December 2010.

What about the current Code?
The current Approved Code of Practice for Occupational Health and First Aid in the Workplace (the current Code) was introduced in 1991. This will still have effect during the transitional period and will then be revoked as an approved code of practice on 10 December 2010.

Guidance material on the new Code is being developed to help business owners work out what is needed in their workplace and will soon be available on this website.

For more information please read or download from the link below:
First Aid Code of Practice - OHS Information Sheet #3 - Old Code / New Code Comparison. This document contains a table that summarises the main differences between the old Code and the new Code under categories such as first aid kit contents, first aid rooms and designated first aiders.

Further Information
The new Code can be downloaded from the link below. For further information and advice please telephone the SafeWork SA Help Centre on 1300 365 255.