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The following extracts have been taken from the Approved Code of Practice and Guidance covering Health + Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981. When health inspectors are visiting your premises it is this code, which they will refer to when making their recommendations.
Regulation 3 (1) states ‘An employer shall provide, or ensure that there are provided, such equipment and facilities are adequate in the circumstances for enabling first aid to be rendered to his employees if they are injured or become ill at work’.
ACOP 3 (4) states ‘An employer should make an assessment of first aid needs appropriate to the circumstances of each employee’.
So what does this really mean in practice? Well, when considering what kind of first aid kit you need it is best to consider the following:
- Number of employees (very important!)
- Nature of the workforce, ie do they work alone? Do they work remotely? Are they on the road? If so they may need a travel first aid kit.
- Carry out a workplace assessment of potential hazards.