Ask the HSE - What first aid at work arrangements does my business need?

Each issue the HSE shares one of the most popular questions it has been asked on the HSE infoline the previous month
People at work can suffer injuries or be taken ill. It doesn't matter whether this is caused by the work they do or not, it is important that they can get immediate help when necessary. It's not a case of just following the rules, first aid can save lives and prevent minor injuries becoming more serious.

The law - Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 - requires 'adequate and appropriate' equipment, facilities and people to be available to ensure immediate help can be given. Adequate and appropriate are the key words - different businesses will have different needs, and what is right for big companies won't necessarily be appropriate in smaller firms.

There's a simple, easy-to-follow checklist on the HSE website to help a business assess what first aid provision it needs.

A common feature of all workplaces is the first aid box. Contrary to popular belief, there are no mandatory contents. It all depends on what you assess your needs to be.

But as a guide, where work activities involve low hazards, a minimum stock of first aid items might be:

• A leaflet giving general advice on first aid
• 20 individually wrapped sterile plasters
• Two sterile eye pads
• Four individually wrapped triangular bandages
• Six safety pins
• Two large and six medium-sized individually wrapped sterile, unmedicated wound dressings
• A pair of disposable gloves

It's recommended that you don't keep tablets and medicine in the first aid box. When you are assessing your first aid needs, a key decision is whether you will need a first aider or not. First-aiders must hold an approved qualification from a recognised awarding body. Refresher training for your first aiders is a good idea. If your assessment shows you don't need a first aider, you should appoint someone to take charge of first aid, such as looking after the first aid box or calling an ambulance in emergencies.

You should also inform employees about what the first aid arrangements are. To find out more: www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid/index.htm or call HSE's Infoline on 0845 345 0055.

HSE INFOLINE
Calls about any aspect of health and safety law can be directed to the Health and Safety Executive's Info-line 8am to 6pm weekdays on 0845 345
0055. Calls are charged.