In the article, the HSE acknowledges that employers are best placed to understand their specific workplaces and decide what first aid risks are present and therefore, what provisions are appropriate.
However, the HSE does stipulate that “first aid provision must be adequate and appropriate in the circumstances”. This means employers must provide sufficient first aid equipment, facilities and personnel at all times.
The way to identify what first aid measures are required in your business is to carry out a first aid needs assessment; one that focusses on the specific needs of your workplace, workforce and the hazards and risks that may be present in your industry.
Things to consider in a first aid needs assessment
This list is not exhaustive but provides a good start. The suggestions come straight from the HSE here: www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid/needs-assessment.htm
- The nature of the work you do
- Workplace hazards and risks (including specific hazards requiring special arrangements)
- The nature and size of your workforce
- The work patterns of your staff
- Holiday and other absences of those who will be first-aiders and appointed persons
- Your organisation’s history of accidents
- The needs of travelling, remote and lone workers
- The distribution of your workforce
- The remoteness of any of your sites from emergency medical services
- Whether your employees work on shared or multi-occupancy sites
- First-aid provision for non-employees (eg members of the public)
Appropriate training
Training is a great way to ensure that a risk assessment and first aid is carried out properly. We have a large range of courses to help you achieve compliance in these areas.
Check them out below or call ProTrainings on 01206 805359.
First Aid at Work 3 day or blended 1 day online and 2 days in class – click FAW courses range.
EFAW one day course or half-day blended course
Appointed Persons in the Workplace, 100% online or 100% classroom course
Visit our first aid shop for a full suite of equipment from first aid kits to defibrillators. www.first-aid-online.co.uk
Thank you to the HSE for providing the information to form this article, found here: www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid/needs-assessment.htm