In any workplace, the health and safety of employees is of paramount importance. Accidents, injuries and illness can happen unexpectedly, so it is crucial for employers to have appropriate measures in place to ensure the well-being of their workforce. In this blog post, we’ll explore the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations, which provide the framework for first aid requirements in the workplace.
The Regulations
The regulations, which were last updated in 2018, outline the legal obligations of UK employers regarding first aid provision in the workplace. These regulations apply to all sizes and types of workplaces, including offices, factories, construction sites, retail and educational establishments.
The primary aim of the regulations is to save life and minimise the harm caused by incidents. However, compliance with the regulations will also minimise your legal liability, as well as demonstrating to your staff that their well-being is important.
Key Requirements
The Health and Safety Executive website has lots of content to support you in meeting your responsibilities. Here's our concise version of the main requirements to get you started!
Appointing a Competent Person
The regulations require employers to appoint at least one competent person to take charge of first aid arrangements. This person is responsible for assessing first aid needs, ensuring appropriate training, and maintaining first aid facilities and equipment.
Conducting a First Aid Needs Assessment
Employers must conduct a thorough assessment of their workplace to determine their first aid provision for each site they have. Factors such as the nature of work, the number of employees and their working patterns, and any specific risks or hazards should be considered.
The needs assessment should be reviewed annually, or if there are any significant changes to your organisation.
First Aiders
The regulations do not specify the number of trained first aiders required. However, it's essential for employers to ensure that a sufficient number of first aiders are available to provide cover at all sites, at all times, regardless of any absence or shift work.
It's obviously helpful if the staff are volunteers, and they have an aptitude for first aid!
First Aid Training
First Aiders must receive appropriate training to ensure they have the knowledge and skills to deal with the potential incidents identified in your needs assessment.
For low-risk workplaces such as offices and shops, this is usually a 1-day 'Emergency First Aid at Work' course. For higher risk workplaces, this may be the 3-day 'First Aid at Work' course (or 2-day to re-certify).
Schools and Early Years settings will usually also need 6 and/or 12-hour 'Paediatric First Aid' courses to meet the requirements of the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage. To avoid duplication (and save you time and money), our 'combined' courses can cover your responsibilities under both the EYFS framework and H&S regulations.
Employers should make training providers aware of any specific risks or hazards in their workplace so that appropriate training can be delivered.
The Health and Safety Executive also strongly recommend that first aiders should undergo annual refresher training to maintain their competence and confidence.
Providing Adequate First Aid Facilities and Equipment
Based on the findings of the needs assessment, employers must also provide and maintain suitable first aid facilities and equipment.
This includes items such as first aid rooms, kits, eye-wash stations, and defibrillators. The facilities and equipment should be easily accessible, well-stocked, and regularly checked for serviceability and expiry dates.
Informing Employees
Employers must ensure staff know how to get help when they need it. Staff should know your emergency procedures, including how to contact first aiders and where to find first aid facilities and equipment. This could be achieved during induction and annual training, and through clear signage.
Recording and Reporting
All incidents, injuries, and near misses should be recorded in an accident book as part of your organisation’s health and safety system. This record helps in identifying trends and taking corrective actions.
Additionally, certain types of workplace accidents and injuries must be reported under the RIDDOR system.
You should also ensure you have a record of your first aid needs assessment and resulting actions, so that you can demonstrate compliance with the regulations, should you need to.
Conclusion
The requirements of the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations are an essential aspect of ensuring a safe working environment. By understanding and complying with these regulations, employers can effectively manage risks, provide necessary first aid support, and protect the well-being of their employees.
Prioritizing health and safety not only meets legal obligations but also helps foster a culture of care, leading to enhanced workplace well-being.
If you have any questions, or would like advice about how to comply with the regulations, please just get in touch. We’re always happy to help :-)