News from CRLriskadviser.co.uk
From 2009 there will be reforms on health and safety as follows:
- That First Aid in the workplace should be enhanced not, diminished.
- Delegates attending training venues are assured a standard quality service.
- The duty of care owed by first aiders to those they are attending on is fully clarified.
Changes will be introduced to the current first aid rules which employers should be aware of:
- The current 4-day first aid at work qualification will be replaced by a three day course, giving the same status.
- A 1-day-accredited course named Emergency First Aid at Work will be introduced.
Employers will choose the level of First Aid training required from the two options:
1. First aid at work (FAW) 3 days of training. (18hrs), to be within a 9 week period. This is reduced from 13 weeks.
2. Emergency First Aider at Work (EFAW) 1 day training. Assessment of First Aid Needs/Number of Trained Personnel Needed
Employers are required to carry out an assessment of first aid needs. This involves consideration of specific workplace hazards and risks, the size of the organisation and any other relevant factors, to determine what first aid equipment, facilities and personnel should be provided. If your business lacks the correct number, or appropriate category of first aider you could be leaving your company at serious risk of action.
You can use the CRL First Aid Assessment in the "Risk Assessment" area of the download section to decide the level of first aid provision your business should have.
