According to figures released by Business Zone in 2013 there are approximately 200,000 injuries in the workplace every year in the UK, some of which could be assisted with first aid opposed to seeking medical attention from the NHS.
Their research goes on to show 59% of employees wouldn’t feel confident trying to save someone’s life and a third of employees would carry out first aid without the proper training, which could unfortunately make things worse. Ensuring enough first aid trained people are onsite for others to contact in an emergency could make all the difference.
This is why employers have a duty of care under the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, to provide first aid treatment for their employees should they have an injury or fall ill, no matter the size of their business.
It’s recommended that all employers have at least one trained first aider, although depending on the risks within a workplace and the number of employees, some organisations may need more. On the opposite end of the spectrum, smaller organisations may feel they do not require someone to be trained, but they should still appoint a person or persons to manage the first kit and call the emergency services should a problem arise. In all cases employees must be aware of the first aid arrangements.
The first step on deciding how many first aid trainers employers may need, as well as what to include in a first aid kit, will be to carry out an assessment of needs, which should consider:
- the industry and consequently the specific health and safety risks that are posed to employees
- the number of employees
- how many sites and their location
- number and regularity of visitors to the workplace
- the work patterns of staff
- holiday cover for any persons who would be first aid trained
- the organisation’s history of accidentsIf a needs assessment shows a business that they require trained first-aiders, then it’s the responsibility of the employer to ensure those appointed are fully trained using an accredited training provider and this training is refreshed regularly.A large business may also identify in their needs assessment that a designated first aid room is needed to deal with any illnesses or injuries. In this case, it’s important the room is large enough for any medical equipment needed and that sterile facilities along with adequate heating and lighting are provided.Following an injury or illnesses, employers are required to report this as part of RIDDOR (Reporting or Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013).Aspire Training Team are an accredited trainer and offer a variety of courses including Paediatric First Aid, Emergency First Aid at Work, First Aid at Work as well as refresher courses. You can also view our blog “First aid kits – what you need to know” for more details.Further information on employer responsibilities regarding first aid training can be found on the Health and Safety Executive website. Alternatively, to find out more details about Aspire Training Team’s first aid courses, call 01202 551553 or email info@aspiretrainingteam.co.uk.
