AED requirements for Australian Businesses?
AEDs are not currently required First Aid equipment for almost any business under current Australian law, however the 2018 Government review of Work health and Safety laws is currently open for public consultation, with the Federal Government asking for input from everyone, no matter what role you are in, your industry or business size.
The WHS Act states that one of its aims is to “protect the health and safety of workers and other people by eliminating or minimising risks arising from work or workplaces” and to assist “businesses and workers to achieve a healthier and safer working environment”. The current Code of Practice only state AEDs are “a useful addition for workplaces where there is a risk of electrocution or where there are large numbers of members of the public” but does not go so far as to make them a requirement for such workplaces.
If you would like to see more AEDs in workplaces where SCA is a risk, or in workplaces where large numbers of members of the public are present, now is you chance – visit the government website below to make your concerns heard: engage.swa.gov.au/review-consultation
For more information on calling for increased mandatory AEDs in Australia, visit the “Australian Hearts” website at: www.australianhearts.com