Today, the USU is reporting from the New South Wales Industrial Relations Commission, where we are continuing to challenge the Central Coast Council’s approach to First Aid in your workplace. We are deeply concerned about the lack of appointed first aiders, especially in high-risk environments.

NSW IRC Update:
Thanks to our collective efforts, we have achieved the following positive outcomes:

  1. Updated EOI: An updated expression of interest will be sent out with no limit on the number of additional appointed First Aiders. We strongly urge all interested USU members within the Pavements Teams at both the Mangrove Mountain and Charmhaven Depots to submit your expression of interest by Friday, 1 November 2024.
  2. Future Process: The Council must meet with USU members and Representatives to take real steps toward a safer, fairer workplace for all areas.
  3. Review of Current Risk Assessments: We believe some current risk assessments may be flawed, leaving workers exposed. These will be reviewed this week and continue for all areas of the Council in the coming weeks.

Further IRC Proceedings: A further report back before the Commission on the progress will be held on 12 November 2024.

Despite resistance, we have compelled the Council to conduct a FULL review of all first aid kits and the employees in charge of them. This may result in more USU members being appointed and paid the first aid allowance to make the workplace safer for all.

Your Role:
We need YOU to ensure your workplace is safe. Ask yourself these three important questions:

USU’s Collective Action Win:

  • Who is your appointed first aider? If you don’t know, this may be a sign you have no appointed first aider on your worksite.
  • Are you interested in a safer workplace? Voice your expression of interest today with your supervisor to become an Appointed First Aider.
  • Have you been required to manage the first aid kit without receiving the first aid allowance? If so, please let your USU Delegate know.

If you can’t answer these questions, contact your USU local representative. Together, we can create a safer workplace for everyone.

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If you have any questions please contact your local USU Delegate (as listed below) or USU Organisers, Luke Hutchinson on 0419 761 323 / lhutchinson@usu.org.au