When assessing first aid requirements, you need to consider every location where your workers are likely to be working. This includes vehicles and mobile equipment used by a worker while they are working.

Whenever a new workplace is added, you need to complete a new first aid assessment for that workplace.

Determine your different workplaces

You must complete a separate assessment for each workplace or group of workplaces. A workplace can be a permanent or temporary structure, an outdoor location, a vehicle, or mobile equipment used by workers.

1. 1

   Identify separate workplaces

   If you have separate workplaces you will need to do an assessment for each one. For example, workplaces are considered separate if any of these criteria apply:

   • They are more than ten minutes apart.
   • There is a physical barrier that could prevent a first aid attendant from reaching an injured worker in less than 10 minutes.
   • They are separated by a public roadway.
   • They operate under separate administrative structures.
2. 2

   Determine if a task-based assessment is more useful

   Some workers do similar tasks at many different locations throughout the day. For example, delivery drivers, repair technicians, or community care workers are at different places throughout the day but doing the same work in each location.

   In this case, you may choose to do a task-based first aid assessment. Instead of focusing on a workplace location, you will consider the tasks that your workers do throughout the day. Think about the environments in which they work, the risks and hazards they’re likely to encounter, and the barriers that may prevent them from getting first aid treatment. Task-based assessments should only be used when these considerations are similar for all workers who do that task.

   You will conduct one task-based assessment for each job role that performs similar tasks. For example, if you have some workers who are home care nurses and other workers who are drivers who pick up and drop off lab samples, you’ll need to do two different assessments.

   If you have a worker health and safety representative or joint committee, they must review your task-based first aid assessment.

   A task-based first aid assessment has the same requirements as a workplace first aid assessment. Follow the same steps, just think about tasks instead of workplaces.

After you identify your workplaces, the next step is to determine the maximum number of workers.

Please note: The content on this page is intended to help you understand and meet the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. More detailed information can be found in the OHS Guidelines and/or OHS Regulation.