First Aid
In the event of injury or sudden illness, failure to provide first aid could result in that person's death. The employer should therefore ensure that an employee who is injured or taken ill at work receives immediate attention.
Who Does It Apply To?
- Employers
- Employees
What is adequate will depend 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 should carry out an assessment of first aid needs to determine this.
The Regulations do not place a legal obligation on employers to make first aid provision for non-employees such as the public. However, HSE strongly recommends that non-employees are included in a first aid needs assessment and that provision is made for them.
Assessment of first aid needs:
Employers are required to carry out an assessment of first aid needs. This involves consideration of workplace hazards and risks, the size of the organisation and other relevant factors, to determine what first aid equipment, facilities and personnel should be provided.
What should be considered when assessing first aid need?:
- Assess the significant risks in the workplace. If the risks are significant, first aiders may be required.
- Are there any specific risks in the workplace (e.g. hazardous substances?)- Specific training for first aiders, extra first aid equipment, precise siting of first aid equipment need to be considered.
- Are there parts of the establishment where different levels of risks can be identified?- you may need to locate certain provision areas, review the contents of the first-aid box
- How many people are employed on the site?- may need to employ first aiders
- Are there inexperienced workers on the site, or employees with disabilities or special health problems? - you may need to consider special equipment, local siting of equipment
- Is there out of hours working? - remember there needs to be first aid provision all times people are at work.
- Is the workplace remote from emergency medical services? - you need to inform local medical services of your location, consider special arrangements with medical services
- Do you have employees who travel or work alone? - you need to consider issuing personal first aid kits and training staff as to their use and consider issuing personal communicators to employees.
- Do the public visit your premises? - You have no legal responsibilities for non-employees, but HSE strongly recommend that you put them in you first- aid provision.
You have to inform your employees of the first aid arrangements. Putting up notices telling staff who and where the first aiders or appointed persons are and where the first-aid box is will usually be sufficient. You will also need to make special arrangements to give first-aid information to employees with reading or language difficulties.