First aid cover requirements
The relevant legislation is the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, which requires employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to ensure their employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work. However, as what is ‘adequate and appropriate’ will depend on the circumstances in the workplace, the findings of the employer’s first aid needs assessment should help them determine what they would need to provide. So, if the employer’s original assessment identified first aiders are necessary due to the hazards/risks associated with the work etc, this wouldn’t change as the nature of the work is the same, just with fewer people.
Regulation 3 states the duty of an employer to make provision for first aid and the accompanying guidance covers needs assessment, work patterns, how many first aiders are needed and appointed persons.
The Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE’s) first-aid section states: “In the event of injury or sudden illness, failure to provide first aid could result in a casualty’s death. The employer should ensure that an employee who is injured or taken ill at work receives immediate attention.
“HSE will prosecute in cases where there is a significant risk, a disregard for established standards or persistent poor compliance with the law.”
There are plenty of pre-made first aid kits available and many stockists offer kits tailored to specific situations such kits for outdoor activities and ones for in the office.
Use this toolbox talk to provide employees with information for first aid.
Contact us for further information.
