b'Brief OverviewChapter hapterEither state or federal legislation governs the industrial workplace in Australia. Legislation varies from state to state. Industries vary with this legislation as well. The law provides a set of minimum standards of protection for employers and employees. Detailed requirements for first aid rooms are located in the Regulations and the First Aid Code of Practice.The first aider has a responsibility to the employer and the employees when accidents occur. The first aider is required to correctly assess an employee with an injury or illness and be aware of the various implications.The majority of Acts require various incidents including death to be reported to the appropriate government authority. It is very important that the first aider has a sound knowledge of the various Regulations and Acts that are relevant to their workplace. This will enable them to handle any breaches that may result in injury or illness and document the particulars according to the requirements specified.Legislation requires that a work related injury or illness be recorded in an accident report register. The first aider is required to adhere strictly to the confidentiality of the employees medical and personal history. No information is to be given out to unauthorized people without the written consent of the employee concerned. The first aider is to function within the guidelines of their training, job description and experience and apply themselves to the best of their ability.Legal AspectsDuty of CareThere is no obligation for an individual to act as a Good Samaritan. A Duty of Care arises when, at law, there is sufficient relationship between one and another. For example, teachers owe such a duty to their students. An employer owes a duty of care for employees and vice versa.Once a first aider begins to assist,a duty of care is established withthe first aider required to act with reasonable care and in accordance with any training and experience. First aiders are normally safe from litigation providing they apply aid within their level of skill and training. This does obligate the first aider to maintain currency with their training, especially when using equipment such as an Automatic External Defibrillator or oxygen delivery devices.Occupational Health and Safety 7'