First Aid at Work Training Update

From Thursday 1 October 2009, the requirements for first aid at work changed.

The changes come from a recent Health and Safety Executive (HSE) evaluation of first aid in the workplace.  This identified some important deficiencies in the guidance they provided when the First Aid at Work Regulations came into force in 1981.  They also found that the current regulatory requirements for lower risk workplaces was not always appropriate.

What has changed?

• The four day First Aid at Work (FAW) course which all first aiders must take will be shortened to three days.  The new course will be similar to the old one, but it has been shortened because a number of first aid protocols have been simplified, including CPR and casualty movement.  This means that students have less to learn.
• A new qualification called Emergency First Aider in the Workplace (EFAW), which only requires a one day training course will be introduced.
• The HSE strongly recommend that both FAW and EFAW students should attend an annual three hour refresher course to help keep their skills up to date. 

What stays the same?

• To requalify, first aiders will still need to take a two day course.
• All courses will need to be approved by the HSE and taught by HSE approved first aid training providers.
• People who hold a valid First Aid at Work certificate do not need to retrain until their certificate expires.

Risk assessment is the key

The new guidance on the recommended ratios of first aiders to employees is available at  http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/web41.pdf.  However, the HSE stress that it is up to each employer to carry out a first aid risk assessment of their individual workplace.

A risk assessment will help employers:

• decide how many first aiders are required
• plan the level of training and first aid cover and facilities needed
• decide which of the two first aid courses will be most suitable for their organisation.

Generally, first aiders with an FAW certificate will be able to deal with higher risk sites or places with a large workforce.  Lower risk sites may only require a first aider with an EFAW certificate, but this will depend on the risks in individual workplaces.

When carrying out a first aid risk assessment, employers should:

• look at their workplace hazards and risks
• consider the size of the organisation, and the nature and distribution of employees
• analyse the type and number of accidents the organisation has had
• consider where the site is in relation to emergency medical services
• think about the needs of travelling, remote and lone workers
• plan for annual leave and other absences of first aiders.

For more information on assessing first aid requirements or advice on which courses would be most suitable for your employees please contact us.