News

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has recently updated the way in which it presents its online guidance on first aid. The BETA version is now live and the HSE is inviting feedback to help improve it should it be necessary.

Previously referred to as ‘first aid at work', the new guidance is now referenced as ‘first aid in work', and provides advise on the employer's responsibilities regarding first aid in the workplace, as well as a step by step guide to assessing first aid needs, what should be included in a first aid kit, and a guide to first aid training.

The guidance begins with an overview, explaining how employers have a duty to ensure employees receive immediate help should they be taken ill or injured at work. The law applies to every workplace as well as to the self-employed.

Employer responsibilities concerning first aid in work

The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 dictate that all employers must have:

• A suitably stocked first aid kit
• An appointed person or people to lead first aid arrangements
• Information for all employees concerning first aid arrangements

There is no need for employers under the legislation to provide ‘adequate and appropriate' first aid for public visitors or children in schools, however the HSE does strongly recommend that non-employees are included in an assessment of first aid needs and that they are provided for.

Assessing workplace first aid needs

The new guidance does a good job of walking you through an assessment of your first aid needs. It explains that that the ‘adequate and appropriate' first aid arrangements you need depend on the type of work you do, and where you do it. Here is what the HSE recommends you consider:

• The type of work carried out
• The typical workplace hazards and the risk of harm associated with them
• Workforce size
• Staff work patterns
• How to deal with first aider absence
• Accident history
• Remote and lone workers
• Proximity of emergency medical services
• First aid for non-employees

Appointing a workplace first aider

If your ‘needs assessment' results in a low risk then you can use an ‘Appointed Person' who is someone who takes charge of your workplace first aid. Their duties include managing the first aid equipment and facilities and being responsible for calling the emergency services should the need arise.

Most workplaces have more than one appointed person, and no formal training is necessary. The appointed person must however always be available during working hours.

What should a first aid kit contain?

The contents of a first aid kit should represent the first aid needs that are revealed by the needs assessment. The following is a guide recommended by the HSE as to what might be included in a first aid kit for low risk activities, such as desk-based work:

• A general guide to first aid (e.g. the HSE leaflet, Basic Advice on First Aid at Work)
• A selection of different sized, individually wrapped sterile plasters
• Sterile eye pads
• A range of individually wrapped triangular bandages, preferably sterile
• Safety pins
• Medium and large sized, individually wrapped sterile, un-medicated wound dressings
• Disposable gloves

When purchasing a first aid kit, it is wise to look for one that meets the British Standard BS 8599. This is not a legal requirement, but it does act as a good guide. Always check though that the kit meets what was identified in your needs assessment.

It is vital that the first aid kit is regularly checked and well maintained. Sterile items usually have expiry dates, which means they will need to be replaced, and other items should be checked to ensure they remain fit for purpose.

First aider training

Your ‘needs assessment' may result in the requirement for at least one fully trained first aider within your organisation.

First aiders are trained in the following by a competent training provider:

• Emergency first aid at work (EFAW) - the ability to provide emergency first aid to someone who is ill or injured at work
• First aid at work (FAW) - in addition to EFAW can also apply first aid for a variety of specific illnesses and injuries

It is recommended that training is kept up to date courtesy of regular refresher courses.

It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure the first aid training provided to employees is provided by a competent entity. There are four types of first aid training provider: 

1. An awarding organisation recognised and regular by Ofqual, the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) or the Welsh Government.
2. A voluntary approval scheme, for example a trade body accredited by a third party. The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) is the government recognised national accreditation body.
3. Independent training whereby the provider is able to prove its competence.
4. Training from one of the three government recognised Voluntary Aid Societies - St John Ambulance, British Red Cross or St Andrew's First Aid.

First aid guidance for employers

The HSE has published guidance for employers setting out what should be done to address the provision of first aid in the workplace.

In addition the Health and Safety Made Simple website provides useful information on first aid at work.