Dr Richard Dune

10-03-2023

Image by kckate16 via Envato Elements

Understanding your role and responsibilities in workplace safety

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) publishes guidance for providing workplace first aid in the UK. To comply with the regulations, employers must provide several levels of provision, including Appointed Persons (AP), EFAW, FAW, and additional training.

In this blog, Dr Richard Dune provides an overview of the HSE’s guidance on first aid provision, including the four-layer framework that has been in place for many years. He will discuss the importance of maintaining a safe working environment by following the regulations and demonstrating compliance with the organisation's needs assessment.

Who is a first aider?

A first aider is trained to respond to emergencies and assist injured or ill people who require immediate medical attention. To ensure that the person handling emergency procedures is competent and knowledgeable, they must participate in appropriate first aid training and be certified.

First aid certification and competence

Various certifications and competencies are available in workplace first aid, including:

• First aid at work
• Emergency first aid at work
• Any other level of training or qualification that is appropriate to the circumstances.

Which courses should first aiders attend?

To become a certified first aider, one must receive training and assessment at the appropriate level. First aiders should be prepared to deal with various medical emergencies, including injuries and illnesses identified in the first aid needs assessment.

The First Aid At Work (FAW) training course incorporates the EFAW syllabus and provides the first aider with the skills to deal with various injuries and illnesses. In contrast, Emergency First Aid At Work (EFAW) training offers first aiders the skills to treat injured or ill workers in an emergency.

First aid certification validity

Certifications for first aid training vary in validity depending on the type and purpose of the training. The validity of a certificate of first aid at work is three years. First aiders must undergo requalification courses before their certificates expire to obtain another three-year certificate. First aiders whose certificates have expired are no longer considered competent to perform first aid at work.

Under HSE guidance, first aiders should undergo annual refresher training. In light of the abundance of evidence regarding the severity of 'first aid skill fade' and to maintain basic skills, it is recommended that learners receive annual refreshers.

How many first aiders does an employer need?

Employers must conduct a first aid needs assessment to determine how many first aiders are required. To determine the exact number of first aiders to have, it is essential to consider the particular circumstances of the workplace.

Can first aiders be subjected to legal action?

Some first aiders worry that they may be sued or get in trouble if they get things wrong. Despite the lack of specific advice on this topic, it is unlikely that any action would be taken against a first aider using the training they have received in first aid.

In general, it is recommended that you seek legal advice from your employer's insurance company concerning the extent of a first aider's liability coverage.

Conclusion

Employees trained in first aid are more likely to be aware of workplace safety and respond to emergencies more effectively. In more severe cases, first aid can help save lives.

Employers must provide appropriate first aid training to ensure the greatest chance of accident-free working conditions. Therefore, you must comply with the relevant health and safety regulations to ensure your safety and enhance the effectiveness of your work environment.

Take the next step in workplace safety!

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Last updated on 09-01-2025

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