First aid training is essential for your Wirral business. In 2020 alone, over 690,000 non-fatal workplace injuries occurred in the UK. Yet, some business owners still refuse to invest in Wirral first aid training for their workforce because they think it is too costly and time-consuming.
First aid training doesn’t just prepare your team for unforeseen circumstances. It also increases safety awareness around the workplace. As your employees become more aware of the dangers in their working environment, the safety of your working environment will improve too.
In this post, we’ll discuss the legal requirements of your workplace first aid, how to conduct a first aid risk assessment correctly, and where to receive first aid training in Wirral.
What Are the Legal Requirements for Workplace First Aid in the Wirral?
The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations of 1981 set out the first aid standards that employees must meet to be compliant. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also provides guidance on the regulations that clarify how many first aiders your Wirral business needs.
According to the law, all employers must provide their staff with appropriate first aid equipment and facilities, which qualified first aiders should administer. Although the legislation does not strictly set out what is meant by adequate and appropriate, employers must ensure that their staff have access to the care they need in an emergency. The equipment and facilities include a well-stocked first aid kit that is easily accessible to employees.
The number of first aiders your workplace requires depends on factors such as how dangerous your workplace is and the number of employees you have on-site. Generally, there should be at least one qualified first aider for every fifty employees, but how can you be sure? The best method is by carrying out a risk assessment.
Why Are First Aid Risk Assessments Important?
First aid risk assessments are helpful in determining how many first aiders your Wirral business needs. The risk assessment acts as proof that your business is first aid compliant. By keeping a record of your annual risk assessments, you will be able to justify your appointment of first aiders to the HSE or local authorities.
During the risk assessment process, you must consider the day-to-day realities of your workplace. You need to consider several factors, including the number of people on your premises each day and the nature of your work.
For example, if you have children on-site help determine regularly, your staff should complete a paediatric first aid course. High-risk workplaces, on the other hand, must have a first aider who has completed an accredited First Aid at Work course.
You must always have a qualified first aider on site. So if the designated first aider is on holiday, there should be someone to fulfil their duties. Thus, even the smallest, lowest-risk businesses should have at least two qualified first aiders on their team.
How Many First Aiders Does My Wirral Business Need?
You will be able to determine the appropriate number of first aiders for your workplace after completing a first aid risk assessment. The HSE has provided a helpful guide that employers can use to gauge the appropriateness of their decision.
If you have a low-risk workplace with 25-50 staff members, the HSE recommends that you have at least one first aider on-site with an Emergency First Aid at Work certificate. Another first aider should be in place for every 100 employees after that.
High-risk workplaces, on the other hand, should have at least one certified Emergency First Aider on-site for every 5-50 staff members. Two first aiders are required for every 100 employees after that.
Why Choose TL Training For Your Wirral First Aid Needs?
The first aid requirements set by the HSE can be challenging to navigate. Often employers are unsure about which courses to choose, the correct number of first aiders they need, and even which training provider to choose.
At TL Training, we know how important it is for your business to stay on the right side of the regulations. We have clients in different industries conduct first aid risk assessments to determine how many first aiders they need. Once you have determined how many first aiders you will have onsite, we will provide high-quality first aid training that will help you take full advantage of the benefits of workplace first aid.
We are an accredited training provider that can meet your team’s unique needs. Whether you require online Mental Health First Aid or first aid training at our purpose-built facility, TL Training can help.
Contact us today on 0151 343 0588 or email us at [email protected], and one of our experienced training team members will get you started with an obligation-free quote.