Hi Renata – My employer refuses to update the OHS noticeboard to reflect the current first aiders and fire wardens despite the issue being raised by several HSRs. The list is severely out of date with several individuals listed who no longer work here. What should we do?
Your employer is required to maintain and display an up-to-date list of trained first aid officers. The Compliance Code - First aid in the workplace details this requirement at paragraphs 72, 74 and 75 of the Code.
Paragraph 72 of the Code states that employers need to provide safety signs to ensure first aid facilities are adequately signed, and that the telephone numbers of emergency services and details to assist employees to locate first aid officers are provided (eg telephone numbers, locations or a photograph if the first aid officer has provided one).
Paragraph 74 of the Code states that employers need to have procedures in place, including lists of emergency numbers and systems for emergency communication with first aid officers and emergency services, including for remote or isolated employees, and processes for checking and maintaining these.
Employers need to review their first aid arrangements regularly in accordance with paragraph 75 of the Code. Reviews should include whether first aid contact details are up to date and have the appropriate information.
Approach your employer with this information on the need to have up-to-date lists.
If your employer still won’t act, we encourage you to speak with your fellow HSRs and DHSRs about using your powers to escalate the resolution of this issue, as well as contacting your union organiser for support and guidance. This is a collective problem that affects all employees in your workplace – together you and your HSR colleagues have the rights and powers to hold your employer accountable to resolve this issue.
Following consultation, you may also choose to issue a provisional improvement notice (PIN) for a failure contravening the OHS Act. In response they must either update the lists or advise WorkSafe that they wish to dispute the PIN, resulting in an inspector attending your workplace to determine a remedy. In this situation it appears to us that appealing such a PIN would not be a wise decision!
If you have any questions about OHS we encourage to fill out an Ask Renata query and one of our officials will get back to you shortly. Alternatively give Ask Renatabot a try!