Changes to First Aid at Work – 1st October 09

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will make significant changes to workplace first aid guidance as of 1st Oct this year. Research that began in 2003/04 highlighted that regulations needed to better reflect today’s modern work places.

Although employers recognised the need and worth of providing qualified first aiders in the workplace, they felt that releasing valuable staff for 4 days to complete First Aid at Work training was difficult. It was also felt that the course could be simplified due to the huge changes in UK industry.

The HSE’s research also indicated that the practical skills of First Aiders deteriorate rapidly after training; a concern shared by Employers and First Aiders.

Taking these views into account the HSE put forward a number of changes to employers, stakeholders and other interested parties, which are now about to be implemented.

• On 1st Oct this year the 4 day (24hr) First Aid at Work Course will become a 3 day (18hr) course. This course can only be carried out by organisations approved by the HSE.
• The HSE has devised a second tier of approved training, this being the 1 day Emergency First Aid at Work Course, devised for low risk work places. Emergency First Aid at Work Courses can be carried out by organisations approved by the HSE or a recognised awarding body of Ofqual or the Scottish Qualifications Authority. The content of the Approved Courses can be found on the HSEs web site.
• First Aid at Work certificates are currently valid for 3 years however the HSE will, as of 1st Oct 09, strongly recommend that first aiders undertake half day annual refresher training between the 3 year certification period.
• Appointed persons will still exist as a minimum requirement for work places where an employers’ first aid needs assessment identifies that a first aider is not necessary. The Appointed Person(s) do not need to be trained in first aid, though Emergency First Aid Courses are available.
• Employers should carry out a First Aid Needs Assessment to help them deicide what level of first aid, will be required for the workplace.

Reference: First Aid at Work, The Health & Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, Approved Code of Practice and Guidance [L74]

These are some of the most significant changes to first aid in the workplace for over 20 years and only time will tell how successful implementation of the new Guidance (L74) will be. Along with changes planned for resuscitation techniques in 2010 it is certainly going to be a busy time for those responsible for health and safety in our workplaces.