First aid in the workplace

First aid in the work place is something that you need to make certain provisions for as an employer.  Accidents happen and they are often unpredictable and unplanned, but being prepared will increase the chances of saving someone's life, and reduce the chances of ongoing harm.

The role of a first aid is to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening and to promote recovery, so this is what we should have in mind when thinking about the provisions you make.

Training

Ensure there is adequate training in place for your organisation.  To find out more we have an easy to use needs assessment calculator on our home page.  Ideally you would have one first aider minimum for every 5 members of staff.  Then you need to consider things like lone workers, whether you provide a client facing service where you have people coming on site to receive a service.

Also the type of work you carryout might influence how many you need.  Is there machinery involved?  Are people carrying out physical activity?  Do they work at height or on scaffolding for example.

First aid kits

Provide sufficient first aid kits for the workplace.  Inform people where they are in the event that they are needed in an emergency, do they need to be by reception? Do you have a kitchen? etc.  Make sure they are fully stocked and checked.  Also make sure any supplies are replaced following an emergency

Risk assessment

Carry out appropriate risk assessments for the organisation and update them when things change.  If risks are identified it makes them easier to manage and should reduce any surprises from arising.   Document these somewhere and monitor the workplace regularly.

AED

Automated External Defibrillators are crucial in successfully resuscitating adults that have collapsed and stopped breathing.  They increase survival rates significantly in the event of a cardiac arrest.  If you do not have one on site, it is advisable to know where the nearest one is located.  If there is one in the near vicinity then it could be accessed in the event it is needed to save a life.

Consider documentation processes

If an accident were to occur, ensure that there is a process in place for both recording the event after it has occurred.  In addition to this there will need to be someone who is responsible for the reporting of incidents as required under RIDDOR, this will include things such as deaths, people needing to attend and be admitted to hospital from the work place.

As an employer you want to make sure you are following all the relevant guidelines to keep your staff and visitors safe in order to protect them and yourselves from unnecessary legal actions.  By following the suggestions above you can make sure you are doing this

Here at Safety First we offer regulated and unregulated first aid courses.  We can deliver on site at a time and place to suit, and old regular open course in South London.  to find out more get in touch