Do We Need a Trained First Aider?
Injuries can and do occur in all types of workplace, be it a huge industrial manufacturing plant with an equally huge workforce, or a small office filled by just a few employees. Though every attempt should be made to prevent injuries from occurring, businesses should also be prepared to deal with any incidents that may slip through the cracks.
The Health and Safety First Aid Regulations of 1981 requires businesses to provide adequate and appropriate first aid equipment, facilities and people so that employees can receive immediate medical attention in the event of an accident or illness. A baseline for all workplaces is as follows:
- A suitably stocked first aid kit
- An appointed person to take care of first aid arrangements
- Information for employees regarding first aid arrangements
There is no defined list of what a first aid kit should include, although the HSE suggests the following list of items as a minimum for first aid kits in low-risk workplaces:
- A leaflet giving general guidance on first aid
- Individually wrapped sterile plasters (of assorted sizes) appropriate to the type of work
- Sterile eye pads
- Individually wrapped triangular bandages
- Safety pins
- Large, individually wrapped, sterile, unmedicated wound dressings
- Medium-sized, individually wrapped, sterile, unmedicated wound dressings
- Disposable gloves
An appointed person is someone identified within the business who takes responsibility for first aid arrangements. They do not necessarily need to be trained in first aid. They look after first aid equipment and facilities and call the emergency services when required.
Whether or not a trained first aider is required in a business will be determined by risk assessments. In some low risk businesses, a first aider may not be required and an appointed person will be sufficient to meet the minimum Health & Safety criteria. However, in higher risk environments, risk assessments will likely conclude that one or more trained first aiders will be required on site at all times.
For more information on Health & Safety arrangements or first aiders, or to book a Free Review, please call on 0844 8797286 or email on info@questconsultingservices.co.uk.
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