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Changes to first aid at work regulations
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has announced the biggest changes to the first aid at work regulations for over a quarter of a century. From 1 October 2009 the four day First aid at work course will become a three day course and a new one day Emergency first aid at work course will be created.
As one of Scotland's leading first aid trainer and assessor's we will inform and support the public and our clients through the changes.
We’ve compiled a comprehensive set of answers to questions about how first aiders and businesses will be affected and what you need to do to comply with the new regulations.
You can also sign up to our newsletter service to keep up-to-date with any further developments such as the announcement of the exact contents of the new courses.
Workplace first aid changes - questions and answers
Why are the changes happening?
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), carried out an evaluation of first aid in the workplace and found that 'although first aid awareness and penetration in workplaces was good, compliance was found to be more "in spirit" rather than the letter of the regulations and this exposed some important deficiencies in the format and content of guidance and in the proportionality of the current regulatory requirements for lower risk employees'. The new 'recommendations are made regarding the development of the regulations and associated guidance and on the frequency and length of first aid training'.
The changes have been developed in consultation with employers and training providers and it is hoped 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 1 October 2009.
Will they change again?
This is the first major change to the first aid training requirements in 25 years, so although there is always the possibility of further changes, they are not expected for some time.
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 will also strongly recommend that FAW and EFAW students attend an annual three hour Basic Skills Update (BSU) course to prevent 'skills fade'.
Is my current FAW certificate still valid?
Yes, 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 has not, as yet, formally announced the content of the EFAW/FAW/BSU courses, but we are confident that the training that has been developed to support the current FAW/Emergency Aid for Appointed Persons (EAAP) training, 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 between now and October 2009. Also we do not envisage that there will be anything included on the new course that is not already covered but we are waiting for the HSE to confirm this. The current qualification will still be valid for three years. The HSE has 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 and strongly recommend 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 risk assessment
When assessing your specific needs, employers need to consider:
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 should be carried out which will highlight the level of risk in the workplace, using 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 will be available from the HSE website www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid nearer the time of implementation.