NSW Context

First aid units of competency from the Health Training Package (HLT07) are found in qualifications across training packages representing most industry sectors.   In NSW, the licensing of first aid providers and course delivery by WorkCover NSW is being phased out.  This regulatory process will be replaced by the implementation of the HLT07 units of competency by registered training organisations.

Changes to OH&S

The Commonwealth and each state and territory government have agreed to harmonise their work health and safety laws, including Regulations and Codes of Practice, so that they are similar in each jurisdiction.

The Commonwealth, states and territories are responsible for making and enforcing their own work health and safety laws. Although there are many similarities between the laws there are also some differences that can cause confusion. Australian workers should be entitled to the same work health and safety standards, regardless of the jurisdiction in which they operate.

This regulatory inconsistency is being addressed through an intergovernmental agreement(IGA) where, for the first time, governments from each state and territory and the Commonwealth have formally committed to harmonise work health and safety laws by developing and adopting a model Work Health and Safety Act supported by model Regulations and model Codes of Practice. The intention is to deliver the same work health and safety protections to all Australians.  For more information click here

Currency of First Aid Statement of  Attainment

The requirement for people to have first aid refresher training every three years is a WorkCover NSW requirement.  Students should be made aware of the WorkCover requirements in pre-course information.  RTOS can also provide a cover letter together with the Statement of Attainment advising students when they will need to participate in further training in order to remain current.

Though currency of First Aid competency expires after three years Statements of Attainment do not expire and statements indicating a period of validity or expiration date should not be on a Statement of Attainment.

The following advice is from WorkCover NSW, and also available at www.workcover.nsw.gov.au :

Changes to WorkCover NSW course approval process

Effective immediately WorkCover NSW will be recognising specific units of competency in lieu of the current WorkCover NSW course requirements. A transitional period ending 30 June 2009 will apply for all courses currently approved.

These changes will benefit course providers, employers and employees in New South Wales through:

• Recognition of nationally accredited statements of attainment issued in other States and Territories;
• Reduction of red tape in accreditation processes for providers; and
• A streamlined validation process for first aid certificates.

To give effect to this change, the following arrangements will apply:

1. WorkCover NSW to recognise the following equivalent units of competency as “WorkCover Approved” for three (3) years from the date of the statement of attainment.  In the case of the Occupational First Aid equivalency, the 3-year time frame will commence on the statement of attainment date for HLTFA403A Manage First Aid in the Workplace. The selected cross-industry units of competency are nationally listed within the Health Training Package (HLT07). WorkCover NSW is satisfied that the selected units of competency incorporate the mandatory syllabus requirements currently imposed on first aid course providers in NSW.

Note: Only Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) can deliver national units of competency.

 

COURSE NAME                            EQUIVALENT UNIT OF COMPETENCY

First Aid Course                                       HLTFA301B Apply First Aid

Occupational First Aid Course              HLTFA301B Apply First Aid

                                                                    HLTFA402B Apply Advanced First Aid  

                                                                    HLTFA403A Manage First Aid in the Workplace
    
2. WorkCover NSW will not accept any further applications for course approval.

3. Existing providers, regardless of RTO status, may continue to offer their WorkCover NSW approved course until 30 June 2009.

4. RTOs wishing to deliver the national units of competency will need to ensure that they have the above units of competency included within their scope of delivery.

5. At the conclusion of the transitional period (30 June 2009), all WorkCover NSW first aid course approvals will expire.

6. To assist providers who are non-RTOs, WorkCover NSW will be facilitating briefing/workshop sessions throughout the transitional period. Topics will include the process to become a Registered Training Organisation, partnership arrangements, units of competency, and the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF). Information is available on the WorkCover NSW website

7. WorkCover NSW will continue to be responsible for specifying the following employer first aid responsibilities under the OHS Regulation 2001 (Chapter 2, Clause 20) :  

i. Provision of “trained first aid personnel” at various sites or places of work;
ii. Minimum first aid facilities that are required at various sites or places of work;
iii. Contents of first aid kits at various sites or places of work; and
iv. Register of injuries under the Workplace Injury Management and Workers Compensation Act 1998.

Resource for Registered Training Organisations:

 

Workcover NSW First Aid Course Transitional Arrangement

Frequently Asked Questions, Publication No 501 2 available at www.workcover.nsw.gov.au

 

Changes to OH&S

The Commonwealth and each state and territory government have agreed to harmonise their work health and safety laws, including Regulations and Codes of Practice, so that they are similar in each jurisdiction.

The Commonwealth, states and territories are responsible for making and enforcing their own work health and safety laws. Although there are many similarities between the laws there are also some differences that can cause confusion. Australian workers should be entitled to the same work health and safety standards, regardless of the jurisdiction in which they operate.

This regulatory inconsistency is being addressed through an intergovernmental agreement(IGA) where, for the first time, governments from each state and territory and the Commonwealth have formally committed to harmonise work health and safety laws by developing and adopting a model Work Health and Safety Act supported by model Regulations and model Codes of Practice. The intention is to deliver the same work health and safety protections to all Australians.  For more information click here