What is the legal requirement for first aid at work?

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The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require you to provide adequate and appropriate first-aid equipment, facilities and people so your employees can be given immediate help if they are injured or taken ill at work.



Also know, what is the minimum requirement for first aid at work?

The HSE recommends that if you work in a company with 5-50 workers, there should be at least one person trained in first aid. Another first-aider should be in place for every 50 workers after that. Accidents can happen, even in low risk organisations with few employees.

Similarly, who should provide support for first aiders in the workplace? Employers must provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to enable first aid to be given to workers if they are injured or become ill at work. The Regulations apply to all workplaces, including those with five or fewer employees, and to the self-employed.

Thereof, do you need a first aider at work?

Typically, first-aiders will hold a valid certificate of competence in either first aid at work (FAW) or emergency first aid at work (EFAW). These Regulations do not require employers to provide first aid for anyone other than their own employees.

What is required in a first aid room?

Typical examples of the equipment and facilities a first-aid room may contain are: a sink with hot and cold running water; drinking water and disposable cups; a record book for recording incidents attended by a first-aider or appointed person.

39 Related Question Answers Found

Is it illegal not to have a first aider at work?

The Regulations do not place a legal duty on employers to make first-aid provision for non-employees such as the public or children in schools. However, HSE strongly recommends that non-employees are included in an assessment of first-aid needs and that provision is made for them.

Does a first aider need to be on site at all times?

It is important to remember that accidents and illness can happen at any time. Provision for first aid needs to be available at all times people are at work. Q3: What should I consider when assessing first-aid needs? Some small workplaces with low-level hazards may need only the minimum provision for first aid.

What is the difference between first aid at work and emergency first aid at work?

First Aid at Work (FAW) – This is a 3 day course which can be completed three days together or 3 days over three weeks. Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) – This is a 1 day course and consists of 6 hours first aid training.

Who is the first aider at work?

An appointed person is someone who is nominated to take charge of first aid arrangements, such as looking after the first aid kit and calling an ambulance in an emergency. A first aider is someone who is qualified to give first aid treatment in the event of an injury or illness.

What is the minimum number of employees when a trained first aider must be employed?


As a basic emergency preparation, your employees should have access to first aid provision such as: sufficient number of first-aid boxes; and • adequate number of first aiders (For 25 to 100 employees, you need a trained first aider.

What are the 3 C's when dealing with an emergency?

First Aid: Follow the Three C's. If you find yourself in an emergency situation that requires quick action, follow the three Cs: Check, Call and Care. First, survey the scene for any possible hazards.

What are the procedures for calling a first aider?

Procedure. The first-aider will be responsible for the upkeep and replenishment of the first-aid kit. On sustaining an injury the injured person will report to the first-aider who will assess the injury and carry out suitable first-aid.

What should not be in a first aid box?

In general, tablets and medications should not be kept in the first aid box. If mains tap water is not readily available for eye irrigation, at least one litre of sterile water or sterile normal saline (0.9%) in sealed, disposable containers should be provided.

Can I be forced to be a first aider at work?

First Aid Training for Work. In small low risk businesses (like offices and shops), there is no legal requirement to have a trained first-aider. All employers have a legal responsibility towards their workers and must have a well stocked first aid kit and an 'appointed person' to take charge of any first aid incidents.

What can a first aider not do?


do not give them anything to eat or drink. give them lots of comfort and reassurance. monitor the person – if they stop breathing, start CPR and call 999.

Do you get paid extra for being a first aider?

Many industries and awards provide for a First Aid Allowance of between $11.00 and $16.00 a week if you are appointed as a designated First Aid Officer in your workplace.

What are the qualities of first aider?

The following are the qualities, which a trained first-aider, should possess:
  • Prompt and Quick:
  • Calm and Controlled:
  • Wise and Intelligent:
  • Resourceful:
  • Sweet Tempered and Sympathetic:
  • Skilful and Tactful:
  • Dextrous and Clever:
  • Confidence and Perseverance:

What is a first aid policy?

First Aid Policy/Procedures
It is the school's policy to provide first aid support to someone if they are injured or become unwell in school, and to ensure that the school complies with the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regula"ons 1981.

What does the Health and Safety at Work Act cover?

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASAWA) lays down wide-ranging duties on employers. Employers must protect the 'health, safety and welfare' at work of all their employees, as well as others on their premises, including temps, casual workers, the self-employed, clients, visitors and the general public.

What are the duties of a first aider?


The role of a first aider is to provide immediate, lifesaving, medical care before the arrival of further medical help. This could include performing procedures such as: Placing an unconscious casualty into the recovery position. Performing Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

Why is first aid important?

First aid helps ensure that the right methods of administering medical assistance are provided. Knowing how to help a person is just as important in emergency situations. It only takes six minutes for the human brain to expire due to lack of oxygen.

Is it a legal requirement to have an accident book at work?

Accident book. An accident book is used on construction projects to record details of any accidents that occur. This is a requirement of the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR). Companies are legally required to have an accident book on sites that have 10 or more employees.