The vast majority of Australian workplaces are woefully unprepared for the event of a medical emergency, with 87 per cent of Australian businesses failing a basic first aid test.

New research released by St John’s Ambulance shows that millions of employees are at risk due to a lack of basic first aid awareness.

The report concluded that only 14 per cent of Australian workplaces know how to keep their employees safe, while also finding:

  • The majority of Australian employers (65%) are unaware of Safe Work Australia’s new Code of Practice.
  • Only 48 per cent of Australian workplaces offer accredited first aid training to their employees.
  • Less than half of workplaces have appropriate workplace first aid resources (e.g. first aid kits and signage).
  • Only 24 per cent of employees have participated in first aid procedures training or first aid drills.

Safe Work Australia’s new Code is currently being rolled out across most States and Territories.

St John Ambulance Australia CEO, Peter LeCornu, said the new Code will change first aid responsibilities for Australian businesses.

“Australian workplaces are in a volatile situation and employers need to act now to reduce the risk to their employees, customers and ultimately their businesses,” he said. “The St John research shows that a serious first aid knowledge gap exists.”

“Administering first aid in the first five minutes after an incident can dramatically change the outcome. Businesses need to be prepared to save a life and empower their employees with the confidence to act,” said Mr LeCornu.

“It is not just a matter of buying a first aid kit and assuming staff will know what to do. Every employer should be striving for best practice when it comes to first aid and St John recommends conducting an initial first aid risk assessment evaluation to proactively ensure your workplace is compliant,” he concluded.