First Aid in the Workplace – What You Need to Consider | World First Aid Day
Posted on: 09/09/2024
First Aid in the Workplace – What You Need to Consider | World First Aid Day
The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to ensure their employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work.
Every employer in the UK is legally obliged to plan appropriate first-aid arrangements for its workplace. However, what is deemed adequate and appropriate will depend on the circumstances in the workplace, therefore employers should carry out an assessment of first aid needs to determine what to provide.
The minimum first aid provision on any work site is:
First aid kits:
There is no mandatory list of items to be put in a first aid box, but the contents should reflect the requirements of your first aid assessment.
Typically, items such as plasters, bandages, safety pins and dressings are included in a first aid box, however this will vary depending on the unique risks per workplace.
Appointed first aiders:
A first aider must complete training to the appropriate level identified in the needs assessment. There are no set rules as to how many first aiders are required, as it will depend on the circumstances of each workplace. However, circumstances such as shift work or sites with several buildings may require more first aid personnel. Annual leave should also be considered, as provisions will need to be in place to cover absences.
Providing information for employees:
Each workplace is different and has unique hazards, so employees must be informed and aware of what safety and first aid arrangements are in place.
This includes:
Popular products we recommend:
First aid station: Our first aid station shadow boards are a popular product. They can be purchased as portrait (800x1000mm) or landscape (600x800mm) and are easily visible in the workplace. In addition, they are a simple and effective way to store first aid kits and accident books and include a wipeable table to display the names and locations of first aid personnel.
First aid posters: Each workplace is different and has its own safety and first aid requirements, which is why we offer a range of first aid posters based on various unique situations. For example, we have posters that cover first aid for eyes, burns, and children, as well as a general ‘first aid in the workplace’ poster that covers the essentials. You can view all our first aid posters here.
First aid signage: First aid signage is essential so employees know where first aid kits and defibrillators are located. It is also important to display signage to help employees understand who and where first aiders are. Projection signs are also popular as they increase visibility and allow employees to quickly and easily identify first aid equipment, reducing panic and improving response time.
View our range of first aid signage here.
Bespoke signage: Bespoke signage is often a more suitable solution for customers than stock signage, specifically if their site has unique safety requirements. This allows employers to convey important information specific to their site and the hazards employees may face.
Information regarding safety and first aid may differ from building to building or site to site and ensuring employees have correct and up-to-date information is crucial. Bespoke signage can be the perfect solution.
We also offer frames for signs to allow for information changes. You can quickly and easily swap the sign inside whilst keeping it in perfect condition, ensuring important information doesn’t fade and is always visible to employees.
If you require bespoke signage, please contact sales@spectrum-industrial.co.uk.
The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to ensure their employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work.
Every employer in the UK is legally obliged to plan appropriate first-aid arrangements for its workplace. However, what is deemed adequate and appropriate will depend on the circumstances in the workplace, therefore employers should carry out an assessment of first aid needs to determine what to provide.
The minimum first aid provision on any work site is:
- a suitably stocked first aid kit
- an appointed person to take charge of first aid arrangements
- information for employees about first aid arrangement
First aid kits:
There is no mandatory list of items to be put in a first aid box, but the contents should reflect the requirements of your first aid assessment.
Typically, items such as plasters, bandages, safety pins and dressings are included in a first aid box, however this will vary depending on the unique risks per workplace.
Appointed first aiders:
A first aider must complete training to the appropriate level identified in the needs assessment. There are no set rules as to how many first aiders are required, as it will depend on the circumstances of each workplace. However, circumstances such as shift work or sites with several buildings may require more first aid personnel. Annual leave should also be considered, as provisions will need to be in place to cover absences.
Providing information for employees:
Each workplace is different and has unique hazards, so employees must be informed and aware of what safety and first aid arrangements are in place.
This includes:
- Where the first aid box is located
- Notices telling staff who and where first aiders are located
- Signage to detail unique first aid requirements where necessary
- Special arrangements, such as multiple language signs or braille signs
Popular products we recommend:
First aid station: Our first aid station shadow boards are a popular product. They can be purchased as portrait (800x1000mm) or landscape (600x800mm) and are easily visible in the workplace. In addition, they are a simple and effective way to store first aid kits and accident books and include a wipeable table to display the names and locations of first aid personnel.
First aid posters: Each workplace is different and has its own safety and first aid requirements, which is why we offer a range of first aid posters based on various unique situations. For example, we have posters that cover first aid for eyes, burns, and children, as well as a general ‘first aid in the workplace’ poster that covers the essentials. You can view all our first aid posters here.
First aid signage: First aid signage is essential so employees know where first aid kits and defibrillators are located. It is also important to display signage to help employees understand who and where first aiders are. Projection signs are also popular as they increase visibility and allow employees to quickly and easily identify first aid equipment, reducing panic and improving response time.
View our range of first aid signage here.
Bespoke signage: Bespoke signage is often a more suitable solution for customers than stock signage, specifically if their site has unique safety requirements. This allows employers to convey important information specific to their site and the hazards employees may face.
Information regarding safety and first aid may differ from building to building or site to site and ensuring employees have correct and up-to-date information is crucial. Bespoke signage can be the perfect solution.
We also offer frames for signs to allow for information changes. You can quickly and easily swap the sign inside whilst keeping it in perfect condition, ensuring important information doesn’t fade and is always visible to employees.
If you require bespoke signage, please contact sales@spectrum-industrial.co.uk.
