What First Aid Course is Required for My Workplace?

Ensuring the safety of your employees is a legal and moral obligation. A crucial part of this is providing adequate first aid provision. But with so many different first aid courses available, how do you know which one is right for your workplace? This blog, brought to you by Oodles Training (www.oodlestraining.com), specialists in workplace first aid training, breaks down the key regulations and considerations to help you determine the appropriate first aid training for your needs.

What Are The Legal Requirements For First Aid In My Business?

Several pieces of legislation govern first aid in the workplace, forming the bedrock of your responsibilities:

• The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974: This overarching act sets out the general duties employers have to protect the health, safety, and welfare of their employees (as well as any other visitors on site). It's the foundation upon which more specific regulations are built.

• The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981: These regulations specifically address first aid requirements in the workplace. They mandate that employers must provide adequate and appropriate first-aid equipment, facilities, and personnel.

• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999: These regulations require employers to carry out a risk assessment to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate control measures, including first aid provision.

Workplace Risk Assessment: The Key to Determining Your First Aid Needs

The cornerstone of effective first aid provision is a thorough risk assessment. This assessment, a critical part of first aid training regulations, is a legal requirement and will dictate:

• The type of training necessary

• The number of trained personnel

• The quantity and contents of your first aid kits

Oodles Training can assist you in conducting a comprehensive risk assessment. Your risk assessment should consider:

• Workplace Hazards: Identify potential hazards specific to your industry and work environment. Are there risks of cuts, burns, chemical exposure, or other injuries?

• Number of Employees: The size of your workforce is a significant factor. Larger workforces generally require more first aiders and first aid kits.

• Nature of Work: Higher-risk activities, such as construction or manufacturing, will necessitate more extensive first aid provisions than lower-risk environments like offices.

• Work Patterns: Consider shift patterns, lone working, and out-of-hours activities. Ensure that first aid cover is available at all times.

• Location of Workplace: Is your workplace easily accessible to emergency services? Remote locations might require more comprehensive first aid arrangements.

How Do I Translate A Risk Assessment into First Aid Training?

Once you've completed your risk assessment, you can determine the appropriate first aid training for your employees. Here are some common types of first aid courses:

• Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW): This one-day course covers basic life-saving skills, such as CPR, dealing with bleeding, and managing minor injuries. It's suitable for lower-risk environments.

• First Aid at Work (FAW): This three-day course provides more comprehensive training, covering a wider range of injuries and illnesses. It's typically required for higher-risk environments, or for people leading first aid provision in your workplace

• Paediatric First Aid: If you work with children, you'll likely need paediatric first aid training, which covers common childhood illnesses and injuries.

Most workplaces choose to have a variety of staff trained to differing levels.  For example you may choose to have a team of key personnel trained to the full First Aid at Work (FAW) standard with other staff completing the one day Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course.  Both of these courses are HSE compliant.

How Do I Know How Many First Aid Trained Staff and First Aid Kits I Need?

The risk assessment will also determine the number of first aiders you need and the quantity and contents of your first aid kits. There are no set numbers, but the regulations require "adequate and appropriate" provision. Factors to consider include:

• Spread of Workforce: If your workforce is spread across multiple sites, you'll need to ensure adequate first aid provision at each location.

• Shift Patterns: Ensure that trained first aiders are present during all working hours.

• First Aid Kit Contents: The contents of your kits should be tailored to the specific hazards identified in your risk assessment. Oodles Training can advise on the appropriate contents for your industry if this is helpful

What Special Considerations Are Needed for Modern Workplaces (Remote Working First Aid, Multi-Site First Aid)?

Modern work practices present unique challenges for first aid provision:

• Remote Working: If employees work from home or other remote locations, you still have a responsibility for their health and safety. Consider providing them with personal first aid kits and access to first aid advice. Oodles training can help you understand your obligations.

• Multi-Site Working: For businesses with multiple sites, ensure that each site has adequate first aid provision, taking into account the specific risks at each location.

• Lone Workers: Lone workers are particularly vulnerable, and you'll need to consider how they can access first aid in an emergency. It is worth noting that, people may end up lone working, even when they work in a busy office. An example of this might be a cleaner coming in after ‘office hours’, flexi-hours staff or staff who come in early or stay late to catch up.

  
  

How Can We Help (First Aid Training and Supplies)?

Oodles Training (www.oodlestraining.com) offers a comprehensive range of first aid training courses, consultancy  and supplies to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. We can help you conduct risk assessments, choose the right training for your employees, and ensure that your first aid kits are fully stocked and up to date. Contact us today to discuss your specific requirements and ensure your workplace is safe and compliant.