Using a précis of The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 (The full transcript is available on the HSE website www.hse.gov.uk or from HMS0 Supplies) it states that employers must provide adequate First Aid Personnel and equipment within the workplace at all times.
A First Aider is deemed to be a person who has undergone the 4 day First Aid at Work Course.
An Appointed Person (who can assist a First Aider) is deemed a person who has undergone a 1 day First Aid Course.
Dependant on the number of employees and the risk level of their environment, you must have fully trained First Aider's and equipment available at all times.
If you have fewer than 50 employees and are a low risk environment you can provide at least one, Appointed Person trained member of staff.
If you have above 50 staff you must at all operating times provide a fully trained 4 day FAW trained First Aider.
Obviously service based environments such as public arenas, railway stations, restaurants, hotels, gyms and nightclubs would be better off utilising a larger number of First Aider's re their service remit and longer operating times. To avoid over pressurising First Aid trained staff a greater number of First Aider's means a fairer rota system and one that guarantees a First Aider on duty at all times.
MSA would like to remind all its clients that with many new litigation companies in operation, a robust approach to the number of First Aider's on duty is highly recommended.
|
|
Regulations
