The overriding aims of the HSE behind the implementation of these reforms are 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 that Businesses need to be aware of:
 
Categorisation of First Aiders:

• 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:

• First aid at work (FAW) 3days of training. (18hrs), to be within  a 9 week period. This is reduced from 13 weeks. 
• 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 our First Aid Assessment in the "Risk Assessment" area of the download section to decide the level of first aid provision your business should have.

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Also updated is the New Edition of "A Guide to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulation 1995"

Guidance Revised May 2008

This new edition contains the same regulations (with minor changes to regulation 2) but brings the associated guidance up to date, particularly in relation to the changes in reporting arrangements and the need to use the Incident Contact Centre (ICC)*.

Other amendments have been made to reflect changes in legislation, such as the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2007, and also the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), among several others. Schedule 2 has been revised to take into account the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005.
The introduction now contains a useful 'at a glance' list of reportable major injuries, dangerous occurrences and diseases.

*Telephone notifications and reports should be made to the Incident Contact Centre on 0845 300 9923, online and e-mail reporting is also possible by visiting www.hse.gov.uk/riddor. Further details are provided in paragraphs 52-56 of the guidance.

This updated publication is available from the Health and Safety Bookstore