Why do we need first aid at work?
Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 as amended October 2013 (more information can be obtained from the HSE Website) employers are required to provide suitable first aid equipment, trained personnel and facilities to enable immediate assistance be given should a employee be injured or become ill whilst at work. The regulation states that in order to carry out first aid a suitable person will have undergone approved first aid training.
Cognet are able to provide you with choice as we are approved to deliver First aid at Work courses endorsed by the First Aid Industry Body (FAIB) and Ofqual approved through Qualifications Network.
The number and type of first aid personnel you will need will be determined by the level of workplace risk you experience associated with your working activities and the number of employees you have. The HSE provide a useful assessment tool which you may find helpful. Should you require any individual advice and guidance on your first aid training requirements please contact us, we are only too happy to help.
If you have identified that you need first-aiders in your place of work they will need to achieve a certificate of competence in First Aid At Work (FAW) or Emergency First Aid At Work (EFAW). The FAW certificate is valid for 3 years and before the expiry date first aiders will need to undertake a First Aid At Work Re-qualification course to obtain another 3 year certificate.
It is good practice and strongly recommended that first-aiders keep their basic skills up to date and keep abreast of changes to first aid procedures by undertaking an annual First Aid Update course. This is a half day programme which can be attended each year during any three-year EFAW/FAW certification period.