First Aid at Work: What Employers Need to Know
Employers are legally responsible for ensuring that anyone who becomes ill or is injured at work receives immediate attention. This means having appropriate first-aid arrangements in place, tailored to the specific risks and circumstances of your workplace.
First Aid Needs Assessment
To determine what’s required, you must carry out a first-aid needs assessment. This should consider the nature of your work, the size and distribution of your workforce, any history of incidents, and whether employees work remotely or alone. The findings will guide what equipment, facilities, and personnel are necessary.
First-Aiders and Mental Health
If your assessment identifies the need for first-aiders, they must be trained by a competent provider. Since HSE no longer approves training organisations, it’s your responsibility to ensure the provider meets the necessary standards. Mental health is also an important part of workplace wellbeing. You may choose to train staff to recognise and respond to mental health issues, either by appointing mental health first-aiders or by providing general awareness training. This ensures support is available for both physical and psychological health.
Facilities, Equipment and Record Keeping
Depending on your assessment, you may need to provide a dedicated first-aid room. This space should be clean, accessible, and equipped with essentials like a sink, couch, and adequate lighting. First-aid kits must be easy to access, regularly checked, and restocked after use. Employers must also report certain incidents under RIDDOR and keep records securely. These records help identify patterns, support risk assessments, and may be required by insurers. If your workplace has more than ten employees or operates in sectors like mining or manufacturing, you must also maintain an accident book.
