In the event of injury or sudden illness, failure to provide adequate workplace first aid provisions 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. Workplace first aid equipment and training can ensure employers and employees are safe in the workplace. The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require 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. These Regulations apply to all workplaces including those with less than five employees and to the self-employed.

What is ‘adequate and appropriate’ 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 required.

Employers should carry out an assessment of first-aid needs to determine what they should provide to meet the minimum requirements.

If your first-aid needs assessment indicates that trained first-aiders are required, the training should at least meet the required standard.

Further information can be found by following this link: HSE Guidance on Training Providers

(Sourced from Public sector information published by the Health and Safety Executive and licensed under the Open Government Licence)

If you are considering a workplace first aid course for yourself or one of your employees, contact JMS First Aid training today or view our courses here.