The new First Aid at Work guidelines for Employers from the HSE are effective from the 1st October 2009. It should be made clear that the actual First Aid at Work Regulations 1981 which govern employers legal responsibilities on FAW have not changed. The only changes that have been made are to the guidance for employers to meet their legal responsibilities.

The main changes that have taken place are as follows :

• The First Aid at Work course is reduced to 3 days
• A new one day HSE Approved Emergency First Aid at Work course has been introduced for smaller businesses and low risk industries
• All training providers must be HSE Approved to deliver both of these courses - which has tightened up the quality of first aid delivery
• The number of people in your workplace is no longer the primary basis for determining your first aid needs
• A clearer First Aid Risk Assessment outline has been provided. This must be completed by all employers to determine the level of first aider you require.
• Introduction of 3 hour Annual Refresher training for all first aiders

There are now two levels of first aider. A First Aid at Work first aider, or an Emergency First Aid at Work first aider. To determine the level of first aider you require for your organisation, requires the completion of a First Aid Risk Assessment. This is a simple format, made much clearer by the new guidelines.

The First Aid at Work Regulations 1981 apply to all employers without exception.

For more information, and help with your First Aid risk assessment, please feel free to contact us on 07917 122844.