Workplace regulations exist to create a safe environment and it is important to be aware of the various regulations and requirements. Failing to adhere to health and safety laws not only creates a more dangerous environment for workers, but there is a potential for legal issues for business owners too.
An important aspect of workplace safety is what to do in an emergency and providing first aid. The government body that sets out regulations for first aid is the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The main piece of legislation regarding this is The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, which states the following:
- The employers must meet their legal requirements, which is the provision of ‘adequate and appropriate’ measures to ensure employees receive immediate attention if they have an injury or fall ill at work.
- The employers must do a risk assessment of first aid needs, workplace regulations and laws for high-risk jobs may mean those first aid arrangements are more stringent in some industries than they are in others.
While the legislation enforces the regulations for workplace safety it is paradoxically broad, so it can be difficult for people to determine whether they are practising effective first aid at work. As workplaces differ substantially, it is important to pursue an official assessment of first aid needs and regularly review them for maximum safety.
We provide a range of safety and first aid storage options suitable for a variety of industries, so we can provide some information on how to improve first aid at work. Get in touch if you have a question about a product or to speak to our advisers.
Tips for Better First Aid at Work
When it comes to health and safety first aid regulations are a good place to start, but there are many ways you can boost the standards and provide a better environment for workers. The requirements mean that you must, at minimum, have an appointed person who has had first aid training and the ability to use it in an emergency.
One excellent training programme is the Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course, provided by the St. Johns Ambulance service. It is suitable for the appointed person in low-risk workplaces, like small offices.
What to Put in a Workplace First Aid Kit
The requirements for training and the contents of a workplace first aid kit are relatively basic and within the capabilities of most people. Typical aid equipment you can put in a workplace first aid kit may include:
- Documentation and guides for using the first aid equipment
- Eye pads
- Plasters or bandages, of various sizes
- Rubber disposable gloves
- Safety pins
- Unmedicated wound dressings, if various sizes
Remember that the above requirements are a guide and can change substantially depending on your first aid risk assessment.
How to Improve Workplace Safety and First Aid Skills
Further tips for boosting the standards of safety and first aid at work include the following:
- Expanding training: First aid courses are good for all employees, both inside and outside of the workplace. Compulsory or voluntary first aid training is not usually part of the legal safety requirements of most professions, but it can provide them with some valuable knowledge that can help in an emergency.
- Improving facilities: You can proactively make a workplace safer by improving the facilities. Examples of simple things you can do include brighter lighting, cable management and mitigating the risks of any potential hazards. Signage and warnings can also serve as a constant reminder of safety procedures.
- Promoting awareness: Many people are unaware that regular actions they might take at work could be dangerous and potentially result in a situation where somebody needs first aid. Regular training and promoting awareness of hazards among employees can boost the effectiveness of first aid at work.
While most workplaces are generally safe overall, they require some legislation to ensure that employers meet the minimum standards for care. However, the laws are broad to cover a lot of ground and there are always refinements or improvements you can make to keep first aid at work as good as it can be if an emergency occurs.
Improving First Aid at Work Explained
A safer workplace makes for happier employees as they understand that better levels of care are ultimately there to serve them. Regulations for first aid at work are wide-ranging but you can take various measures such as training to boost it further.
The characteristics of your workplace will mean that requirements for first aid will change substantially within different industries. Remember, you should always seek official guidance from the HSE if there is any doubt.
We sell a range of first aid storage products suitable for many different workplaces and understand the importance of first aid at work. You can browse our shop and buy online today with free UK delivery.
Please contact us if you have any questions.