1. How to Establish the Level of First Aid Training Required

First Aid Risk Assessment

Also called a first aid needs assessment.  This is already covered in the Risk Assessment category under the section on Irregular Risk Assessments.  We also provide a template and a completed example of a First Aid Risk Assessment so that you can get started (and finished).

The risk assessment asks you to list the types of activities that occur in your workplace and the resulting injuries that could occur.  This can range from falling down the stairs and breaking a bone, to operating machinery and becoming entrapped and crushing your fingers.  Once you’ve written down the obvious accidents, think about what else could happen that maybe isn’t so obvious.  Offices are generally low-risk environments, but the presence of computers and printers means that electric shocks are possible (not likely, but definitely possible).  And what about being scalded by the steam from the kettle?  Or tripping over trailing cables?  You don’t have to go to extremes or think of every single possibility (see the health and safety myth below).  Also, keep in mind the workforce: is there anyone with specific needs that you should bear in mind?  People with medical conditions will usually have made their own first aid arrangements, but it is wise to have back-up, just in case.  Liaise with HR to make sure you are not breaking any data protection rules.

First Aid Kit(s)

You might need more than one first aid kit.  If your organisation is in premises of more than one storey, you should have an appropriately-stocked kit on every floor.

If your organisation undertakes a variety of activities, e.g. a warehouse with offices attached, or a garden centre with a café, you will need different first aid kits for each area.  You must also make sure that you have enough first aid kits for the number of people present.  One small kit won’t be sufficient for an organisation employing 100 people. 

Once your correctly-stocked first aid kits are in place, do a stock-take of the items in each and compile a list of items and their use-by dates.  This will be your point of reference for when you conduct your checks to make sure a full set of stock is in place.  It will also help you to replace out of date items. 

First aid kits should be checked every month and always following an accident.  Kits must always be fully-stocked!

Health and Safety Myth

Keep it real – don’t go over the top when identifying possible accidents

Restaurant staff told customers that pork crackling is not allowed to be served for Health and Safety reasons! It may splash the chef!

The HSE panel were somewhat bemused by this case.  Anyone who cooks roast dinners at home knows that pork crackling can be produced perfectly safely as part of roasting a joint of meat.