First Aid Policy and legislation for workplaces you NEED TO KNOW!

When do I need to have a First Aider and First Aid policy in my business?

Employers' legal duties

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.

Source: hse.gov.uk

The workplace is a unique and ever-changing environment, and what constitutes 'adequate and appropriate' first-aid measures can vary. From the necessity of trained first-aiders, to the essential contents of a first-aid box, and even the possibility of a designated first-aid room, employers must carefully evaluate the specific needs of their workplace. It is essential for employers to conduct a comprehensive assessment to ensure they are equipped to provide the necessary first-aid support.

The legal obligations of employers when it comes to first aid are varied and encompass a range of requirements. At the most simplistic level, every workplace must have a first aid box stocked with suitable equipment for basic medical needs. However, this is not enough; employers need to make sure that someone is always present who is able to confidently give or arrange for first aid if an employee suffers an injury or falls ill while at work.

So I Need a First Aider and First Aid Policy in My Business, yes?

• Having a first aid policy and trained first aider is essential for any workplace.
• The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises that all businesses must have some form of first aid provision in place. This includes having a trained first aider, who can attend to any injuries or medical emergencies in the workplace, as well as ensuring there is an up-to-date first aid policy in place.
• Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers are legally required to ensure that there is adequate access to first aid equipment and training for anyone working on their premises. The HSE also stipulates that employers should do risk assessments of their environment to identify any potential hazards which may require additional measures such as more extensive first aid provisions or specific policies or procedures.
• The size of your business will determine exactly how much you need to provide in terms of first aid provisions. Generally speaking, large companies with more than 50 employees must have more comprehensive resources such as appointing at least one trained first aider per every 25 employees; having an appointed person responsible for overall safety; providing information about the safety measures in place; and carrying out regular risk assessments among other things.
• However, even if you only employ one person, it’s still important to make sure they are aware of what they should do in the event of an emergency by establishing basic safety rules and making sure all necessary equipment is easily accessible at all times. Employers should also look into providing appropriate training for employees so they know how to use this equipment appropriately if needed.
• Overall, it’s essential that every business has some form of plan for dealing with medical emergencies or injuries on site which includes appointing at least one trained individual responsible for providing emergency care, having an up-to-date policy document outlining procedures and making sure employees are aware of what they need to do if faced with an emergency situation.

What are the repercussions of not having a first-aider on site?

• A study conducted by the University of Manchester found that up to 59% of deaths from injury across the UK could have been prevented if first aid was given before the emergency medical services arrived.
• The Resuscitation Council (UK) also states that after a cardiac arrest, every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces the chance of survival by up to 10%.
• This research suggests that the risk for employees can be significantly reduced by companies having qualified first-aiders on site who are able to respond and intervene immediately when an accident occurs.

Source: blog.redcrossfirstaidtraining.co.uk

• An employer has a duty of care to provide, or ensure that there are provided adequate and appropriate facilities and equipment to cater for his employees if they are injured or become ill at work.

Source: firstaidforlife.org.uk

• In addition to ensuring compliance, having a qualified first-aider on site reassures employees that they are in capable hands in the event of an incident.
• If you want to avoid being held responsible and facing legal consequences in case of an accident or illness, it is absolutely crucial that you have trained first-aiders on site. Don't take chances with the well-being of your employees - make sure you have "adequate and appropriate" measures in place to ensure their health and safety.

What is a Workplace First Aid Policy?

• A workplace first aid policy is a document that outlines the steps and procedures for providing first aid in a business, ensuring employee safety.
• Having a first aid policy in your business is highly recommended. It demonstrates compliance with health and safety regulations and helps employees understand how to handle first aid at work. This policy should include details on workplace first aiders, training, procedures, and a record of the steps taken to provide first aid.
• When carrying out a first aid needs assessment, consider the following points:-
• Carrying out a first aid needs assessment is an important part of keeping a workplace safe and healthy.
• When assessing the need for first aid, it’s important to consider the type of work being conducted.
• Some workplaces with high levels of danger might require more comprehensive equipment and staff dedicated to delivering first aid as well as specialised certifications for those providing the care.
• Additionally, examining any history of accidents at the workplace can help determine what kind of precautions need to be taken or what additional training personnel may need.
• Another important factor in determining first aid needs is:-
• Considering the size of your workforce and whether or not you have any lone workers. If you do have lone workers fast-acting response times are even more vital, meaning greater emphasis must be placed on providing swift medical attention when necessary through nearby ambulances or trained personnel being onsite when required to provide instant support. Additionally, if there are remote members of your team then consideration should be given into how they will access the same level of medical attention if something were to happen to them while they are away from the main base.
• What type of first-aid training is required?
• In order to adequately fulfil their responsibilities, individuals in appointed positions should receive basic first-aid training, such as Emergency First-Aid at Work (EFAW) or an equivalent level of training.
• In situations where there is a notable risk of injury, individuals designated as first-aiders should participate in First-Aid at Work (FAAW) training, which should be updated every 3 years.

What should be in a workplace first aid box?

• Having a first-aid box is essential for dealing with small on-site injuries during any type of workplace activity. It should be stocked with items that are suitable for the activities being undertaken and it’s important to assess your needs beforehand.
• Minimum suggested stock for first-aid boxes for low-level hazards include:
• Adhesive bandages (assorted sizes): These are useful for covering small cuts, scrapes, and blisters.
• Sterile gauze pads: These can be used for dressing larger wounds or applying pressure to control bleeding.
• Adhesive tape: Used to secure dressings and bandages in place.
• Antiseptic wipes or solution: These are essential for cleaning wounds to prevent infection.
• Disposable gloves: Provide protection against contamination and should be used when administering first aid.
• Scissors: For cutting tape, clothing, or bandages.
• Tweezers: Useful for removing splinters or foreign objects from the skin.
• Safety pins: Can be used to secure bandages or to create slings.
• Triangular bandages: Versatile and can be used as slings, to immobilize limbs, or as a dressing.
• CPR face shield: A barrier device that helps protect the rescuer during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• Instant cold packs: Useful for reducing swelling and relieving pain in case of sprains or strains.
• Eye wash solution or sterile saline: For flushing out foreign objects or irritants from the eyes.
• Burn gel or burn dressings: Provide relief and promote healing for minor burns.
• A first aid manual or instructions offers guidance on administering basic first aid. Please remember to update the guidance leaflet on an annual basis.
• It's important to regularly check the contents of the first aid box and replace any expired or used items. Additionally, it may be beneficial to include any specific items relevant to the nature of the workplace or any known medical conditions of the employees.

Certain items should not be included in a workplace first aid box. These include:

• Medications: Workplace first aid boxes should not contain any prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs. Administering medications should be left to medical professionals.
• Sharp instruments: Avoid including sharp instruments like needles or scalpels in the first aid box, as they can pose a risk if not handled properly.
• Food or drinks: First aid boxes are not meant for storing or providing food or drinks. They should be used exclusively for medical supplies.
• Hazardous substances: Do not include any hazardous substances or chemicals in the first aid box. These items should be stored separately and handled according to appropriate safety protocols.
• Expired or damaged items: Regularly check the contents of the first aid box and remove any expired or damaged items. They may be ineffective or even harmful when used.
• Personal items: First aid boxes should not contain personal items such as personal medications, cosmetics, or personal hygiene products.
• Heavy or bulky items: Avoid including heavy or bulky items that may take up unnecessary space or make the first aid box difficult to handle.
• Remember, the contents of a workplace first aid box should be focused on providing immediate and basic first aid care until professional medical help arrives. It's essential to assess the specific needs of the workplace and comply with relevant regulations and guidelines when stocking a first aid box.

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