Q. What are the legal responsibilities of employers?
The Health & Safety (First-aid) Regulations 1981, place a legal requirement on employers to make adequate first aid provision for their employees within the workplace. This obligation includes the provision of an appropriate number of first aiders; suitable premises for first aid and adequate first aid supplies.
Q. How do I assess our first aid needs?
When assessing your first aid requirements consider the following:
- The size of the organization
- Workplace history of accidents
- Hazards and risks (risk assessment should be carried out by all companies)
- The nature and distribution of the workforce
- Shift patterns
- Annual leave and other absences of first aiders
For further information please refer to the Health & Safety (First-aid) Regulations 1981, Approved Code of Practice and Guidance.