Things you need to know about first aid legal requirements

The legal requirement for first aid in the UK began with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. This act made it necessary for employers to provide adequate first aid facilities and trained personnel in the workplace.

Specific regulations, such as the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, further clarified these requirements

When keeping people safe and well, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 makes it a legal duty for employers to protect their workers.

This includes making sure first aid is available. The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 explain that employers must provide enough first aid supplies and trained staff, based on the risks in their workplace.

This might mean training employees in basic first aid or giving them special training for more dangerous jobs. These regulations help ensure quick action in emergencies to prevent further harm.

In this article, we will look at the main regulations and acts guiding first aid at work, showing why it’s important to meet these requirements to keep employees safe and create a secure workplace.

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What Are the First Aid Legal Requirements at Work?

First aid legal requirements can be different in each country, but they all focus on keeping workplaces safe and making sure help is available quickly.

In many places, employers must provide first aid equipment, facilities, and trained staff.

The exact requirements often depend on:

• the size of the workplace,
• type of work, and
• any risks involved.

Common regulations and law include having enough:

• First aid kits,
• Special first aid areas, and
• Staff trained in basic first aid.

Some laws also require regular checks of first aid supplies and keeping records of any incidents. If employers don’t follow these rules, they can face fines or legal trouble.

First Aid Legal Requirement in the UK

In the UK, first aid legal requirements are primarily governed by the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981. These regulations explain the responsibilities of employers (what they must do) to provide enough first aid support in the workplace..

First aid legal requirements are the rules that require employers to provide the right first aid equipment, facilities, and trained staff to help employees who get injured or sick at work.

This includes doing:

• a first aid needs assessment,
• giving out suitable first aid kits,
• appointing trained first aiders or other responsible people, and
• making sure employees know about first aid arrangements.

The specific requirements for businesses depend on the size of the workplace, the type of work being done, and any potential risks. The main goal is to reduce the effects of work-related injuries and illnesses.

Why Are First Aid Legal Requirements at Work Important?

Apart from ensuring a safe working environment, the first aid legal requirements are important for several key reasons:

1. Safety and well-being: They make sure that immediate medical help is available during workplace accidents or health emergencies, which can save lives and lessen injuries.
2. Risk reduction: By requiring adequate first aid, they help minimise the effects of workplace dangers and stop minor incidents from becoming serious problems.
3. Legal compliance: They help businesses follow the law, avoiding fines or legal trouble for not meeting health and safety rules.
4. Employee confidence: Knowing that first aid measures are in place can improve employee morale and create a safer work environment.
5. Cost reduction: Quick first aid can lessen the seriousness of injuries, which may lower medical costs and reduce lost work time.
6. Preparedness: They ensure that workplaces are ready to handle various health emergencies, from small cuts to serious issues like heart attacks.
7. Corporate responsibility: Having adequate first aid measures shows a company’s commitment to taking care of its employees and acting responsibly.

What Are My Responsibilities?

To make sure that your employees can be given immediate treatment if an incident should arise, the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 stipulates that adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and people are available.

The type of workplace you have determines what equipment you need. For example, a commercial kitchen needs different first aid supplies than an office.

However, there are minimum requirements that you must meet

These are:

• A first-aid kit
• An appointed first-aider
• Information about first-aid that employees can easily access

Due to the nature of accidents and illness, first aid equipment has to be available all the times.

What Are the Legal Duties of an Employer?

As an employer, if your employees get injured or become ill at work, you must provide enough and suitable equipment, facilities, and first aiders to ensure they receive immediate help, according to the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981.

Even workplaces that have less than five employees and also those that are self-employed have to abide by these regulations.

As mentioned before, the situations in the workplace dictate what is adequate and appropriate.

Occasionally, the organisation may not require trained first-aiders, and the contents of the first-aid box will also vary.

Additionally, a first-aid room is not always required. As an employer, you should assess the first-aid requirements and act accordingly to determine what is needed.

In addition, if your workplace has visitors from the general public, the HSE suggests that you include them in your assessment.

However, the regulations say that you are not responsible for their safety.

First Aid in Schools Legal Requirements

The rules for first aid in schools vary depending on the country or state. In the United Kingdom, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) sets the basic standards for first aid in schools.

These standards say that schools must have:

1. A good first aid kit with the right things inside.
2. At least one person who has finished a full first aid course for the workplace.
3. Information for staff and students about where to find the first aid kit and who the first aiders are.

The HSE also suggests that schools make a plan for first aid. This plan would explain what to do when accidents happen and should be looked at often to keep it up to date.

In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets the basic rules for first aid in schools.

These rules say that schools must have:

1. A first aid kit that everyone can get to.
2. At least one person who has finished a first aid course approved by OSHA.
3. Information for staff and students about where to find the first aid kit and who the first aiders are.

OSHA also suggests that schools make a written plan for first aid. This plan would have steps for dealing with different accidents and injuries and info on how to call for emergency help.

The rules for first aid in schools are there to keep students and staff safe and healthy. By making sure schools have enough first aid, they can lower the chances of bad accidents and injuries.

Legal Requirements for First Aid in Schools:

In the United Kingdom, schools must follow certain laws and rules about first aid, including:

1. Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: This law requires schools to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of students, staff, and visitors. Schools must provide proper first aid arrangements.
2. The Education (School Premises) Regulations 1999: These rules state that schools must have suitable facilities for the welfare of students, which includes first aid provisions.
3. The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981: These regulations outline what schools need for first aid, including having trained staff and first aid equipment, as well as access to emergency medical services.
4. The Education (Independent Schools Standards) Regulations 2014: These apply to independent schools in England and include specific requirements for first aid training and qualifications of staff responsible for first aid.
5. The Education (Non-Maintained Special Schools) (England) Regulations 2011: These rules apply to non-maintained special schools in England and include first aid provisions.

These laws ensure that schools have the right first aid arrangements to protect the well-being of students and staff. It is important for schools to understand and follow the specific rules in their area.

First Aid Requirements Steps for Schools in the UK

Schools should create a clear first aid policy that explains the steps to take and who is responsible.

They need to make sure enough staff are trained in first aid, including paediatric first aid if needed. It is important to have well-stocked first aid kits in easy-to-reach places throughout the school.

If you are a school in the UK, follow these steps:

1. Risk Assessment: Carry out a thorough first aid needs assessment.
2. First Aiders: Appoint enough suitable first aiders:
   • At least one first-aider for every 50 employees (or part of that number).
   • In low-risk environments, like offices, have one first-aider for every 100 employees.
3. Training: Ensure first aiders are properly trained and hold a valid certificate from an approved organisation.
4. First Aid Kits: Provide well-stocked and easily accessible first aid kits.
5. First Aid Room: Larger schools should have a suitable room for first aid treatment.
6. Information: Clearly display information about first aid arrangements, including where to find equipment and who the first aiders are.
7. Record Keeping: Keep records of all first aid treatments given.
8. Specific Considerations: Consider students with medical conditions and ensure first aid provisions are in place for off-site activities.

Regular checks should be done to find any possible dangers and make sure the right first aid measures are ready.

Also, information about first aid steps and contacts should be displayed clearly around the school.

Legal Requirements for First Aid at Public Events:

When organising public events, it is essential to know the legal requirements for first aid, which can vary by country and state.

In the UK, while the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) does not have specific legal requirements for first aid at public events, they strongly recommend that organisers carry out thorough risk assessments and provide enough first aid cover based on those risks.

This includes:

• Having well-stocked first aid kits available on-site.
• Hiring trained first aiders to respond quickly to any medical emergencies.
• Creating a clear plan for handling accidents and injuries effectively.
• Knowing emergency service contacts and making sure they can be easily reached.

Event organisers have a responsibility to keep guests safe. Having trained first aid staff can lower risks and help manage accidents.

To improve first aid at public events, organisers should also think about these tips:

• Place first aid kits in easy-to-reach spots, making sure they are fully stocked with supplies.
• Train first aiders well so they feel confident dealing with common medical emergencies.
• Set up good communication with emergency services for quick help if needed.
• Encourage guests to tell a first aider or staff member about any accidents or injuries.

By following these tips, event organisers can create a safe environment, letting everyone enjoy the event without worry.

First Aid Requirements Steps for Public Events in the UK

Public events should make a first aid plan that explains how to handle medical emergencies during the event.

At an event, there should be trained first aiders or paramedics ready to help in emergencies. First aid stations should be easy to spot and reach.

Key Things to Do:

1. Risk Check: Look at what could go wrong at the event.
2. First Aid Help: Have enough first aid help based on how big or risky the event is.
3. First Aid Stations: Set up clear and easy-to-find first aid spots.
4. Trained Staff: Make sure there are enough trained people to give first aid.
5. Supplies: Have enough first aid supplies, like defibrillators for big events.
6. Talk: Make sure first aiders, event planners, and emergency services can talk easily.
7. Emergency Plan: Have a clear plan for handling emergencies.
8. Inform Attendees: Let people know where to find first aid help.
9. Record: Keep a note of any first aid help given.
10. Plan for Details: Think about things like the weather, crowd size, and event length.

Make sure emergency numbers are easy to find and staff knows how to reach them. Let everyone know about the first aid help at the event.

First Aid Needs Assessment

A First Aid Needs Assessment is an important step to make sure there are enough first aid resources in any workplace or event. Here’s what it involves:

A First Aid Needs Assessment is a careful look at what first aid is needed in a workplace or event. It considers different factors to decide the right level of first aid support.

📌Purpose: It aims to find potential dangers, assess risks, and identify the first aid facilities, equipment, and personnel needed to handle possible injuries or illnesses.

📚Legal requirement: In the UK, the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 requires employers to carry out this assessment.

⭐Regular review: The assessment should be checked regularly or whenever there are big changes in the workplace or event plans.

A first aid needs assessment is an important process to figure out what first aid resources are needed in a workplace.

This helps make sure the right first aid supplies, equipment, and trained staff are available to handle any injuries or health issues that might happen at work.

Below is a guide to doing a first aid needs assessment:

Key Considerations for a First Aid Needs Assessment

• Nature of Work and Workplace Hazards
  Identify the risks in your workplace. Some jobs, like construction, are more dangerous than others, like office work.
• Workforce Characteristics
  Think about the number of employees and any special needs they might have.
• Accident and Illness History
  Look at past accidents or illnesses to understand what kind of first aid you may need.
• Work Patterns
  Consider shift work, night shifts, and irregular hours to make sure first aid is always available.
• Geographical Considerations
  Look at where employees work and how far they are from emergency medical services.
• Lone and Remote Workers
  Consider workers who travel, work alone, or in remote areas. They might need extra first aid kits or training.
• Shared or Multi-Occupied Sites
  Think about how first aid will be managed if your workplace shares space with other businesses.
• Non-Employee Provisions
  Make sure you have first aid for visitors, contractors, or anyone else who isn’t a regular employee.

Steps to Conduct a First Aid Needs Assessment

1. Gather Background Information
   Collect details about current first aid resources, including the people trained and the equipment already available.
2. Identify Necessary Provisions
   Figure out what extra equipment, facilities, or trained staff are needed based on the risks and hazards in your workplace.
3. Evaluate Minimum Requirements
   Decide on the basic first aid resources needed, taking into account any special factors that might require more resources.
4. Implement Provisions
   Arrange training, buy the necessary equipment, and put up signs to make sure first aid measures are ready to use.

By following these steps, businesses can make sure they have the right first aid system in place, meeting legal requirements and improving workplace safety.

First Aid Assessment Outcomes:

The assessment helps decide:

• How many first aiders are needed
• What level of training first aiders should have
• What to include in first aid kits
• If extra equipment is needed (like defibrillators)
• Where to place first aid facilities

By doing a First Aid Needs Assessment, businesses can ensure they have the right first aid, follow the law, and keep employees or event attendees safe.

The assessment of first-aid legal requirements

As mentioned above, as an employer it is your duty to carry out an assessment of first-aid legal requirements.

Considerations include:

• The type of business
• Hazards and risks,
• The size of your workplace (both spatial and number of employees)
• There may be additional factors depending on your workplace

Many people are self-employed and don’t have to think about other staff.

However, you should still do an assessment to find out what equipment you might need to help yourself in case of an emergency, even if it is just a basic first aid kit.

Number of First Aiders Required

There are no hard and fast rules on the exact number of first aiders required as it depends on your first aid needs assessment.

However, here are some general guidelines:

Low-risk environments:

• Fewer than 25 employees: One appointed person
• 25-50 employees: One first aider
• More than 50 employees: One first aider for every 100 employees

High-risk environments:

• Fewer than 5 employees: One appointed person
• 5-50 employees: One first aider
• More than 50 employees: One first aider for every 50 employees

How to Conduct a First Aid Needs Assessment for Schools

First Aid Needs Assessment for Schools

1. Purpose:
   • Identify the first aid needs specific to the school environment.
2. Factors to Consider:
   • Nature of Activities: Check the types of activities and risks involved (e.g., sports, science labs).
   • Size and Layout: Consider the size of the school and its layout (number of floors, distance between areas).
   • Number of People: Account for the number of students, staff, and visitors present.
   • Hazards: Identify any specific hazards (e.g., playground equipment, chemicals in labs).
   • Medical Conditions: Consider students with known medical conditions that may require specific first aid measures.
   • Emergency Services: Evaluate the proximity to emergency medical services.
3. Assessment Process:
   • Conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify potential hazards and their likelihood.
   • Determine the number of first aiders needed based on the assessment.
   • Identify the level of training required for first aiders based on the risks identified.
4. Outcomes:
   • First Aiders: Appoint an adequate number of trained first aiders.
   • First Aid Kits: Decide on the type and number of first aid kits needed and their locations.
   • First Aid Room: Identify if a dedicated first aid room is required.
   • Information Display: Ensure clear communication of first aid arrangements and contacts.
   • Record Keeping: Establish a system for maintaining records of first aid treatments and incidents.
   • Regular Reviews: Set a schedule for regularly reviewing and updating the assessment based on changes in the school environment.
5. Legal Compliance:
   • Ensure compliance with legal requirements such as the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981.

How to Conduct a First Aid Needs Assessment for Businesses

First Aid Need Assessment for General Businesses

1. Purpose:
   • Find out what first aid support will be needed in the workplace.
2. Factors to Consider:
   • Type of Work: Think about the kind of work being done (e.g., lifting heavy things, using machines).
   • Size and Layout: Look at how big the workplace is and how it is set up (e.g., number of floors, distance between different areas).
   • Number of Employees: Count how many employees are there, including any visitors or contractors.
   • Hazards: Identify any dangers in the workplace (e.g., chemicals, heavy equipment).
   • Medical Conditions: Consider if any employees have medical conditions that might need special first aid.
   • Emergency Services: Check how close emergency medical services are to the workplace.
3. Assessment Process:
   • Carry out a risk assessment to find potential dangers and how likely they are to happen.
   • Decide how many first aiders are needed based on the assessment.
   • Determine what training first aiders need based on the risks found.
4. Outcomes:
   • First Aiders: Appoint enough trained first aiders based on the size of the workplace and the risks.
   • First Aid Kits: Decide what type and number of first aid kits are needed and where to keep them.
   • First Aid Room: Find out if a dedicated first aid room is needed, especially in bigger workplaces.
   • Information Display: Make sure everyone knows where to find first aid help and who to contact.
   • Record Keeping: Set up a system to keep track of any first aid treatments and incidents.
   • Regular Reviews: Plan to regularly review and update the assessment based on any changes in the workplace or workforce.
5. Legal Compliance:
   • Follow the law, including the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 and any other regulations that apply to your industry.

How to Conduct a First Aid Needs Assessment for Public Events

1. Purpose:
   • Find out what first aid help is needed for the event.
2. Factors to Consider:
   • Type of Event: Think about what kind of event it is (e.g., concert, sports day, festival).
   • Venue Size and Layout: Look at how big the place is and how it is set up (e.g., outdoor area, seating arrangements).
   • Number of Attendees: Estimate how many people will come, including staff and volunteers.
   • Hazards: Identify any dangers related to the event (e.g., large crowds, equipment).
   • Medical Conditions: Consider if any guests have medical conditions that may need special first aid.
   • Emergency Services: Check how close emergency medical services are and how to reach them quickly.
3. Assessment Process:
   • Carry out a risk assessment to find potential dangers and how likely they are to happen.
   • Decide how many first aiders are needed based on the size and type of event.
   • Determine what training first aiders need based on the risks found.
4. Outcomes:
   • First Aiders: Have enough trained first aiders on site based on how many people are expected.
   • First Aid Points: Set up clearly marked first aid stations that are easy for attendees to find.
   • First Aid Equipment: Decide what first aid kits are needed and include special items like defibrillators for bigger events.
   • Information Display: Make sure attendees know where to find first aid help and how to get it.
   • Record Keeping: Keep track of any first aid treatments given during the event.
   • Regular Reviews: Review the first aid needs regularly or when plans change for the event.
5. Legal Compliance:
   • Follow local rules and guidelines about first aid at public events.

Using this first aid needs assessment framework, event organisers can ensure they have the right first aid facilities available, keep everyone safe, and comply with legal requirements for first aid at public events.

First aid legal requirements for offshore work

Due to inaccessibility and complications related to care, there is specific legislation for the offshore industries. This falls into the Offshore Installations and Pipeline Works (First-Aid) Regulations 1989.

The person in charge is responsible for arranging medical and first aid facilities, capable first-aiders, and medics that are required in this case.

To determine the required number of medics and first-aiders, you will need to conduct another assessment. The employer should consider the amount and type of equipment needed as well as any visitors and contractors who may be present.

Arrange an onshore medical practitioner to supervise the offshore medic. The sick bay should have the correct facilities and also be able to accommodate a patient for up to 48hours.

First aid legal requirements for diving

The Diving at Work Regulations 1997, require the diving contractor to provide first-aid equipment throughout a diving project. The diving supervisor is in control if an incident should arise.

Content of a first-aid box

Although there isn’t a compulsory list of items to include in a first-aid box, there is a recommended amount to include. These are:

• A first aid leaflet
• Sterile plasters
• Sterile eye pads
• Triangular bandages
• Safety pins
• Large and medium sterile, wound dressings
• Disposable gloves

You should not keep drugs and medicines in your first aid box. The list above is just a suggestion; your contents may be different depending on your line of work.

First Aid Training Options Based on Legal Requirements and Needs Assessment

The type of first aid training you offer should follow your First Aid Needs Assessment and meet the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981.

1. Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) Training:
   • One-day course (6-8 hours).
   • Teaches basic life-saving skills.
   • Good for workplaces with lower risks.
2. First Aid at Work (FAW) Training:
   • Three-day course (18-24 hours).
   • Covers more detailed first aid training.
   • Suitable for workplaces with higher risks or specific dangers.
3. Annual Refresher First Aid Training:
   • Recommended for all first aiders.
   • Helps keep skills fresh and build confidence.
4. Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Training:
   • Often included in EFAW and FAW courses.
   • Can also be offered as a separate training session.
5. Paediatric First Aid Training:
   • Required for some childcare settings.
   • Focuses on first aid for babies and children.
6. Mental Health First Aid Course:
   • Not legally required but important.
   • Trains employees to help with mental health issues.
7. Bespoke Training:
   • Customised for specific risks in your workplace.
   • May include situations related to your industry.
8. Online or Blended Learning:
   • Can be used for the theory parts of training.
   • Practical skills still need to be learned in person.

Key Considerations for First Aid Training Options

• Training should be given by a qualified provider.
• Certificates are usually valid for three years.
• The number of trained first aiders should match your needs assessment.
• Workplaces with higher risks might need more detailed training.

You can access all Caring for Care Accredited First Aid Training Courses here.

What does your course consist of?

Here at Caring for Care, we offer you the best possible First Aid training courses. For your convenience, we can deliver them at your premises at a time that suits you, saving you time and money.

This makes it easy for you to gain top class first aid training and be able to meets current health and safety legislation.

Our trainers are fully qualified and accredited. We regularly review them to ensure that we teach up-to-date information.

They will also bring everything they require to you. All you have to supply is a room.

Our trainers provide

• Overhead projector, screen, flip charts and other learning aids
• CPR manikins (one manikin to every four delegates)
• Sufficient dressings/bandages for the practical sessions
• Free first aid manual for each delegate

First aid e-learning course

If you already have a First Aid at Work certificate but are looking for an annual refresher to keep your knowledge fresh and up to date, then this Emergency First Aid at Work Refresher e-Learning course is perfect for you. You can also check out our general First Aid Online Training. 

It will highlight and provide knowledge for a number of common Emergency First Aid situations and help you to understand the correct course of action in the event of shock, bleeding, choking as well as teaching the principles of CPR and how to use AEDs.

For more information on our First Aid training courses please do not hesitate to get in touch, either via email or over the phone on 01782 563333.

References

Health & Safety Executive: http://www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid/legislation.htm

The Red Cross: http://www.redcrossfirstaidtraining.co.uk/Courses/First-aid-legal-requirements.aspx

legislation.gov.uk: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1981/917/regulation/3/made

PCS: http://www.pcs.org.uk/en/resources/health_and_safety/health_and_safety_legal_summaries/first_aid_regulations_1981.cfm

St Johns Ambulance: https://www.sja.org.uk/sja/first-aid-advice.aspx

Moving and Handling People: https://caringforcare.co.uk/moving-and-handling-people-you-care-for/