Employers must ensure their employees receive immediate attention in the event of an accident. Should there be an accident or emergency when people are at work, first aid provision must be available and of an appropriate standard – so that everyone can get suitable attention if they need it.
All first aid requirements for the workplace are set out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), an official government branch that is responsible for determining health and safety standards in the UK.
At a minimum, the first aid at work regulations require all employers to provide the following:
- First-aid supplies: Supplies are essential for the provision of effective first aid. A well-stocked first-aid kit containing bandages, disinfectants and other basic items is the minimum – there is no set list of items. If you have a particular issue in your industry, you may require additional specialist first aid supplies.
- Training: You may not require first aid training, but you must at least appoint someone to be in charge of first aid. If you require accredited training, which can range from basic first aid to more advanced courses, appointed persons must all complete their training to fully comply with the HSE’s regulations.
- Awareness: A key component of health and safety is being aware of what to do in the event of an accident or an emergency. Information for employees on the first aid arrangements, however stringent they might be, will need to be readily visible through notices, signage or otherwise in company handbooks.
When it comes to first aid at work regulations are a legal requirement for all employers. Failure to comply with the regulations may result in fines and other proceedings that can dramatically affect the operations of a business. As a result, first aid provision is essential for any company in any industry.
It can be difficult to understand the HSE’s first aid at work regulations. However, as a leading provider of safety equipment and first aid storage solutions in a wide range of commercial and industrial settings, we are well-placed to explain the main points. Please feel free to get in touch if you have a question about one of our products.
What Are the Regulations For My Business?
You must provide acceptable equipment, facilities and personnel to effectively deliver emergency first aid. The minimum requirements will be a fully stocked first aid kit and a nominated person with the relevant training on hand. However, there is a huge amount of variation in the needs of different types of business.
To determine the appropriate duty of care for first aid and workplace health and safety you will have to do the following assessments:
- First aid assessment: Your main requirements will be determined by a first aid risk assessment. Typically, non-hazardous settings such as offices will have less of a need to impose excessive regulations. However, certain industries will be subject to exceptionally stringent first aid and safety regulations.
- Hazard assessment: Hazardous industries such as construction will usually require additional training and equipment. A hazard assessment will take into account the different work activities that are potentially hazardous, and focus first aid equipment around these points – for easy access in an emergency.
- Employee assessment: If you have a large number of employees you will need more nominated first aid providers, supplies and equipment. You will also have to assess any inexperienced workers in hazardous situations and whether anyone has a disability or other known health issues to be aware of.
The HSE’s regulations are set for employers to keep them within the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 legislation. Additional training to continuously improve first aid skills, and regular refresher training for revision and retraining on the latest techniques is also strongly recommended.
Where to Store First Aid Equipment at Work
First aid kits and other equipment should be readily available. While offices can simply place their first aid kits in a drawer, hazardous industries will require high visibility signage and ready access to all equipment and supplies.
Storage solutions can help, notable products include first aid lockers, cabinets and workstations that are suitable for most hazardous and non-hazardous industries. These solutions provide a dedicated unit that is easily accessible in an emergency
Should you wish to take advantage of our amazing online shop, you can get a wide range of storage products that are perfect for many workplaces. View our first aid storage products for more detail.
The HSE’s First Aid at Work Regulations Explained
The rules exist to reduce the impact of injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences in the workplace and the standards are set according to the HSE’s guidance. Specialist training organisations can help employers ensure that nominated staff have the appropriate first aid training for their industry.
Even the most basic emergency first aid supplies and training can make a big impact in the event of an emergency, so the regulations are a legal requirement that is in place for a good reason. Please feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions about one of our emergency first aid storage products.
