Workplace first aid: are your arrangements suitable?
A practical checklist for reviewing workplace first aid arrangements, from first aid kits and appointed people to making sure staff know what to do.
Workplace first aid arrangements should make it clear what happens when someone is injured or taken ill. A useful review starts with the people, work activities and locations in your organisation, rather than simply checking that a kit is present.
The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 place duties on employers in relation to their employees. Employers must assess their first aid needs to determine the appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel for the workplace. HSE also recommends considering non-employees, such as visitors and contractors, when deciding what arrangements are suitable.
Start with your workplace
Consider the work your employees do, the hazards involved, how many people are present and whether staff work across more than one location or away from the main site. Think about contractors and visitors too, and whether there are times when fewer trained people are available.
These details help you decide what arrangements are appropriate for your workplace. HSE guidance explains how to assess first aid needs; this article is a starting point, not a substitute for that assessment.
Check the practical arrangements
Use a short review to check that:
- First aid kits are accessible, suitable for the work being done and checked regularly.
- Staff know who the appointed person or first aiders are, and how to contact them.
- Cover arrangements are clear for holidays, shift changes and other absences.
- Employees can find the location of first aid equipment and understand how to get help.
- Arrangements are considered when work activities, staffing or premises change.
An appointed person is not necessarily equivalent to a trained first aider. Decide what your workplace needs using current HSE guidance and a suitable assessment.
Make sure people know what to do
Written procedures are useful only if employees can find and understand them. Include first aid arrangements in induction information, communicate changes, and make sure employees know how to raise an incident or request help.
Practical training can also help people build confidence in responding to an emergency. The right course depends on the workplace and its assessed needs, so review those needs before choosing training.
Review and keep the information current
Revisit arrangements after a workplace move, changes to work or staffing, or an incident that shows a procedure needs attention. Keep responsibilities and kit checks clear so the review leads to practical action.
For the full requirements, read the HSE’s first aid at work overview and its guidance on the First-Aid Regulations.
Peace of Mind Training delivers workplace first aid courses for organisations across Hertfordshire and surrounding areas. Explore first aid training or request a tailored quote.