22 December 2008

Workplace first aid changes

Why are the changes happening?
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), carried out an review of first aid in the workplace and found that 'although first aid awareness in workplaces was good, compliance with the regulations were found to be more "in spirit" rather than to the letter of the regulations themselves, The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981. This highlighted the need for some important changes to the regulation and the guidance in particular with the frequency and length of first aid training'.

The changes have been developed in consultation with stakeholders and training providers, and it is anticipated that the new format will make it easier for employers to comply with the regulations.

When will the changes come into effect?
The changes will come into effect on Thursday 1st October 2009.

Will they change again?
This is the first major change to the first aid training requirements in over 25 years, so although there is always the possibility of further changes however, they are not to be expected for sometime.

What are the changes?
The current initial four-day First Aid at Work (FAW) course will be shortened to three days and there will be a new qualification of Emergency First Aider in the Workplace (EFAW) that will require a one day training course.
The FAW requalification remains unchanged at two days.
The HSE have also amended the refresher training frequency in that FAW and EFAW persons attend an annual three hour Basic Skills Update (BSU) course to prevent 'skills fade' and to keep up to date with changes that may occur with resuscitation techniques.

Is my current certificate still valid?
Yes, it will be valid up until the expiry date even if this is after 1 October 2009.

Does the shorter course mean there is going to be less content trained on the course?
The HSE, as yet, have not formally announced the content of the EFAW/FAW/BSU courses. However, St John Ambulance are promoting that the training that has been developed to support the new criteria for the First Aid at Work and the Emergency First Aid for Appointed Persons, will cover most if not all of the content of the revised courses.

Can I wait for the new course?
No, you will need to maintain trained first aiders in your workplace to comply with the current first aid at work regulations, between now and October 2009. The current qualification will still be valid for three years. The HSE have already stated that the new system will take three years from October 2009 to implement.

When do I have to do a new requalification course?
When your current certificate is about to expire.

Will I have to attend refresher training?
The HSE recognise that 'skills fade' does occur during the three year validity of current certificates therefore, the requirement of a three hour basic skills update annually. You will not need this update the same year that you attend a requalification course, but would undertake a BSU course in years one and two before taking a requalification course in year three.

What course will I need to do; will I need more first aiders?
To decide on the numbers of first aiders required and the level of training needed, employers are required to carry out a workplace risk assessment to ascertain their requirements:
· workplace hazards from its activities
· the size of the organisation
· the organisation's history of accidents
· the nature and distribution of the workforce
· the remoteness of the site from emergency medical services
· the needs of travelling, remote and lone workers
· employees working on shared or multi-occupied sites
· annual leave and other absences of first aiders and appointed persons.

The HSE will provide updated guidance for employers before the changes are implemented.

What is the difference between a first aider in the workplace and an emergency first aider in the workplace?
A risk assessment will highlight the level of risk from the hazards within the workplace. From this information you will be able to decide what course is required for your first aiders. Generally speaking, FAW trained first aiders will be required in higher risk sites; lower risk may only require EFAW trained staff, but this will dependant on other factors.

Further information or advice on first aid cover, please contact one of the BPIF HSE Advisers and/or visit the HSE website