First aid is the medical attention that is administered right on site immediately after the accident occurs at the location where it occurred. Usually it is a short-term treatment that helps the injured victim as much as possible until they can get to a hospital for more in-depth treatment. This includes the cleaning of scrapes, minor cuts and scratches, applying bandages, drinking fluids to relieve heat stress and other treatments depending on the accident and injury.

First aid generally includes a series of simple techniques that anyone can perform with minimal first aid training and little to no equipment. The main goal of first aid is to save lives and minimise the threat of death when the accident first occurs. Also it will prevent further harm and stop the condition from worsening. For example this might include applying pressure to a bleeding wound to stop too much blood being lost. First aid will also help to start the recovery process and encourage healing.

IMPORTANT 2018 HSE UPDATE NOTICE!

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have updated their guidance. As of 2018, employers need to consider covering Mental Health First Aid training in addition to First Aid at Work training. Find out what you need to know using our Mental Health First Aid Training in the Workplace Guide.

The Importance of First Aid Training for the Workplace

First Aid training is one of the most important types of training that workers should learn and use, especially if they are working in a dangerous industry such as construction or manufacturing. According to the Health and Safety Regulations of 1981, employers need to make sure that they provide adequate first aid arrangements for all employees. In a low risk workplace, this usually involves having employees who are trained in first aid with an emergency first aid kit available. In more dangerous industries, you might need to have a dedicated first aider and more.

As an employer, it is your responsibility to ensure that your first aiders receive the right training and that they have the necessary first aid skills to respond to an emergency. Having a qualified first aider in the workplace who can respond to an accident immediately could be lifesaving. All first aid courses listed on our website are delivered by the British Red Cross.

When you book a first aid training course with Envico the British Red Cross first aid advice and support continues after your course ends.

What Are My First Aid Responsibilities As An Employer?

As an employer you are responsible for completing a first aid needs assessment and ensuring that your workplace has someone who has been appointed to take charge of arrangements. Also you need to ensure that there is a suitably stocked first aid box and adequate facilities too.

You Never Know When an Accident Might Occur

Accidents are hard to predict and they can happen at any time. One of your workers might fall off a ladder, get their hand caught in a saw or even have a heart attack or a seizure while eating lunch in the break room. It is important that your employees know how to respond in such an emergency situation so that the victim has the best chance of survival.

First aid can be anything from wrapping up a wound to stop bleeding, performing CPR or simply putting the victim in a recovery position and helping them to overcome shock. These immediate actions are very important and they help improve the chances of recovery and survival for the victim.

What is an Appointed Person?

An Appointed Person is someone who is in charge of looking after the first aid equipment and will deliver first aid when it is needed. This Appointed Person should be aware of their legal responsibilities and should have the correct first aid training in order to carry those responsibilities out correctly.

Do Accidents & Incidents Need to Be Recorded?

Yes, it is very important for employers to provide first aiders and appointed persons with a book where they can record the incidents that happen. These recordings will help you to identify potential dangers in your workplace so that you can make the environment safer. Also these reports will be important evidence if there is a workplace accident related compensation claim.

Some of the important information that should be recorded about the incident is the date, time and place of the incident, the name and the work position of the injured person and the details of the injury. The report should detail the first aid that was given and it should include details about what happened to the employee immediately afterward. It should be signed by the first aider who dealt with the incident.

What About Employees Who Travel Regularly or Work Elsewhere?

As an employer you are responsible for ensuring the safety for your employees, even when they are working away from the main site. If you have employees who travel long distances they should carry a personal first-aid box and they should also have a mobile phone.

How Do I Choose a First Aid Representative?

In your workplace you will need to appoint one or two people who are responsible for first aid response. This person can be in charge of first aid equipment or facilities and they can be the one to call an ambulance in an emergency and provide care for an injured employee. This person would typically need to attend the one-day Emergency First Aid at Work course which is designed for the workplace. If your workplace is higher risk or you have more than fifty employees then you may want to consider the four-day First Aid at Work qualification.

If you would like some more information regarding your requirements, please note that it is the employers responsibility to perform a risk assessment/analysis, however we’ve provided some info on our post first aid training requirements for the workplace. Alternatively call 0844 5766750 and speak to one of our representatives.

It is important to choose someone who is reliable and has good communication skills. They should be able to react calmly under pressure and not panic or freeze up in a stressful situation. They should also be very well informed about first aid procedures and be able to perform their duties correctly and confidently.

What are the Health & Safety Regulations 1981?

The Health and Safety Regulations 1981 require employers to provide suitable equipment, facilities and personnel to enable immediate assistance to be given to employees if they are injured or become ill at work. The Regulations state that in order to provide first aid to injured or ill employees, a person shall not be suitable unless he has undergone:

such first aid training and has such qualifications as the Health and Safety Executive may approve for the time being in respect of that case or class of case

such additional first aid training, if any, as may be appropriate in the circumstances of that case

Available First Aid Training Courses