First Aid Regulations are Changing
The HSE has announced changes to the rules governing First Aid at work.
By October 2009 the four-day First Aid at work qualification will be replaced by a three-day course and a new, accredited one-day course named Emergency First Aid at Work will be introduced.
The main drivers for this change are to help employer's access competent first aid, provide a more proportionate response to their first aid needs, and to minimise burdens on business.
Selecting the appropriate course will depend on the circumstances of the workplace and will be informed by the findings of the employer's first aid needs assessment.
HSE will issue revised guidance for employers to help them decide which course is suitable.
A three year certificate will be issued to those who successfully complete either the three-day or one-day course.
During any three year certification period, first aiders should undertake annual refresher training to update their basic skills.
At the end of this period, it will be necessary to re-qualify.
Employers will not be required to retrain all their first aiders as soon as the implementation date is reached.
First aiders with a valid first aid at work certificate will only enter the new arrangements when the certificate expires.
This means it will take three years post implementation before all first aiders in the workplace are captured within the new training structure.
Until this time, employers are still expected to adhere to current HSE guidelines.
Approved First aid qualifications taken before October 2009 will continue to be valid for three years.
Some useful background: What First Aid cover does an employer have to provide?
The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide 'adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to enable first aid to be given to employees if they are injured or become ill at work'. These Regulations apply to all workplaces including those with five or fewer employees and to the self-employed.
What is adequate depends on the circumstances in the workplace. This includes whether trained first aiders are needed, what should be included in a first aid box and if a first aid room is needed. Employers must carry out an assessment of first aid needs to determine this. It is good practice to also consider the needs of non-employees such as customers or visitors.
As a rough guide, every employer needs an appointed person at every location. In addition:
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If you are in lower risk environment such as an office, you should have at least one trained first aider at each site where you employ between 50 and 100 staff (with one more first aider for every 100 additional staff).
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If you are in medium risk environment (for example food processing or warehousing) you should have one trained first aider if you have between 20 and 100 staff (with one more first aider for every 100 additional staff).
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If you are in a high risk environment (for example construction or chemical manufacture) you should have one trained first aider if you have between 5 and 50 staff (with one more first aider for every 50 additional staff).
For more information or advice and guidance on First Aid at Work and new qualification requirements please contact Esther at
esther@hradvantage.co.uk or call her on 01494 451681.
