Do you know… your first aid responsibilities?
What are my responsibilities as an employer?
Employers are responsible for making sure that employees receive immediate attention if they are taken ill or are injured at work.
Employers are best placed to understand the exact nature of the workplace and therefore decide what first aid provisions should be provided.
First aid provision must be 'adequate and appropriate in the circumstances'. This means employers must provide sufficient first aid equipment (e.g. first aid kit), facilities and personnel at all times.
In order to decide what provision is required a first aid needs assessment should be undertaken. This assessment should consider the circumstances of the workplace, workforce and the hazards and risks that may be present. The findings will help decide what first-aid arrangements need to be implemented.
First aid needs assessment
When assessing first aid needs, the following should be considered:
the nature of the work
workplace hazards and risks (including specific hazards requiring special arrangements)
the nature and size of the workforce
the work patterns of staff
holiday and other absences of those who will be first-aiders and appointed persons
the organisations history of accidents
As a minimum, a low-risk workplace (such as a small office) should have a first aid kit and an appointed person to be in charge of first aid arrangements.
What are my responsibilities as an employee?
Whilst an employee does not have specific duties relating to first aid at work, it may be helpful for employers to be aware of any health issues that an employee may have so this can be considered in the first aid needs assessment. An employer cannot make provision for things of which they are not aware.
Where urgent medication for a pre-existing condition may be required (e.g. a spray for angina, or an auto-injector for a serious allergy) employers should be informed. With the employee’s permission an employer can ensure that any trained first aiders are aware and additional training can be taken if necessary.
How can Logic assist?
We can offer guidance and support to allow companies to meet their legal obligations in this area.
We can provide training such as Highfield Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work and Highfield Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work.
Click here to book a course - Book Online | logic-she-solutions (logicshesolutions.co.uk)
Click here for more information - First aid - First aid at work (hse.gov.uk)
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