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first aid legislation

If not then read on and act before you’re too late!!!

Anyone may give First Aid treatment to the sick or injured in the home or on the street. This may be due to the fact that they are trained or because they are the first person on the scene. First Aid within the workplace is governed by legislation

As an employer it is important to have an understanding of how various acts and regulations affect the provision of First Aid and the responsibilities placed upon not only yourself but also your nominated First Aiders.

Health & Safety Acts and Regulations

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 View and Expand

The HSAW Act 1974 requires employers to ensure, so far is as reasonably practical, the health, safety and welfare at work of all their employees. This also extends to non-employees such as outside contractors and members of the public.

The Management of the Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 View and Expand

This regulation requires employers to make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to health and safety to all their employees. Information gathered from this risk assessment can help the employer to carry out the assessment for their First Aid needs.

The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 View and Expand

Employers’ Duties - Legal duties
The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to enable first aid to be given to employees if they are injured or become ill at work. These Regulations apply to all workplaces including those with five or fewer employees and to the self-employed. Detailed information can be found in the Approved Code of Practice and Guidance: First aid at work.

The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 L74 View and Expand

What is adequate will depend on the circumstances in the workplace.
This includes whether trained first aiders are needed, what should be included in a first aid box and if a first aid room is needed. Employers should carry out an assessment of first aid needs to determine this.

The Regulations do not place a legal obligation on employers to make first aid provision for non-employees such as the public or children in schools]. However, HSE strongly recommends that non-employees are included in a first aid needs assessment and that provision is made for them.