When an employee performs duties as a first aid officer or emergency warden, many employers are unsure if they should be paid an allowance on top of their wage. Another common question is whether an allowance needs to be paid if a contract of employment states the salary includes all allowances.
First aid allowance
An industrial instrument usually provides for the payment of a first-aid allowance, payable to an employee appointed by the employer to perform first-aid. The allowance is usually only payable to an appointed employee, not any employee who holds the necessary first-aid certificate. Reference should be made to the relevant industrial instruments that cover your staff.
For example, in the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2020 it states: 'An employee who has been trained to render first aid and who is the current holder of appropriate first aid qualifications such as a certificate from the St John Ambulance or similar body must be paid 75.6% of the standard rate per week extra if appointed by their employer to perform first aid duty.' If employees are covered by such an award then an employer must pay the allowance where it requires an employee to hold a first aid certificate.
Contract of employment
A contract of employment may refer to an ‘all-up rate’ which states the rate compensates for payments such as ‘allowances’. An employer would need to ensure the over-award payment was at least equal to, or more beneficial, to the employee than being paid all entitlements under the relevant industrial instrument.
If there is no requirement in an employee's award or agreement to pay an allowance, an employer can still voluntarily pay an allowance. Employers may also consider providing a certificate to display at the employee's desk as a sign of appreciation.
Read more about who pays for first aid training here.
