Lyna Mohamad
Employers have the responsibility under the Workplace Safety and Health (FirstAid) Regulations 2021 obtain and maintain first aid boxes as well as the appointment and training of first aiders.
They are also responsible for the provision and maintenance of first aid room, provision and maintenance of suitable facilities for emergency treatment within the work area and record-keeping of first aid treatments for a period of no less than five years.
These were highlighted by Acting Interim Chief Executive Officer of Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA), Nur Al-Ain binti Dr Haji Abdullah at the launch of Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA) Industry Guidance Note (IGN) on first aid requirements in the workplace at the Design and Technology Building in Anggerek Desa.
She noted that the first aid provisions should also include other people in the workplace who could be potentially harmed including contractors, volunteers, loaned or seconded employees and visitors.
The lGN, she added, “will serve as a guidance and reference for any matter on first aid including appointment of first aiders as per the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) (FirstAid) Regulations,2021”.
The guidance note also provides the recommended content of a first aid box. However, she said workplaces should conduct a risk and needs assessment when determining whether the content and the total number of first aid boxes are sufficient for use by all employees in case of an emergency.
First aid boxes should be sufficiently available in all workplaces, said the acting interim chief executive officer, who also stressed on the importance for it to be adequately equipped, properly maintained, frequently checked, clearly labelled and identified, placed at well-lit and accessible areas as well as put under the care of trained first aiders appointed by the employer.
The event also saw the guest of honour, Permanent Secretary (Infrastructure, Housing and Professional) at the Ministry of Development Ir Awang Haji Amer Hishamuddin bin Pehin Orang Kaya Amar Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Zakaria, presenting copies of the IGN to some of the attendees.
