Changes to NSW first aid certification

WorkCover NSW has recently changed what it has considered as approved first aid training, now recognising specific national units of competency. For every workplace of over 25 people, there must be at least one first aid trained employee.

All existing WorkCover NSW course approvals will expire on 30 June 2009, after which the only WorkCover NSW-approved first aid training will be the specified national units of competency delivered by registered training organisations:

• 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.

WorkCover NSW will continue to recognise traditional first aid and occupational first aid certificates issued prior to 30 June 2009, until their expiry date (three years). After this date WorkCover NSW will only recognise certificates issued in the titles listed.

These changes will benefit course providers, employers and employees by reducing red tape in the accreditation processes for providers and streamlining the validation process for first aid certificates.

Nationally accredited ‘statements of attainment’ from other states and territories will also be recognised. These statements are currently being issued by registered training organisations in all states.

For more information, visit the National Training Information Service website, www.ntis.gov.au.