Health & Safety News

First aid at work

Incidents where people get hurt or injured at work will always happen but having a trained first aider on hand who knows what to do in such situations, can make a world of difference.

Our courses provide practical hands on learning with theoretical knowledge and are designed to deveop ability and instil confidence in a workplace first aider.

The courses are delivered in a professional yet relaxed style by our team of highly experienced inhouse trainers.

Student interaction is encouraged and feedback at the end of each course is sought, ensuring a continual quality standard.

Compliance with first aid at work legislation is statutory for all UK businesses. Part of this legislation requires organisations to carry out a risk assessment of their first aid needs.

This assessment looks at:

• hazards and risks in the workplace
• number of employees
• accident history
• employees who are lone workers or who travel as part of their role
• annual leave of first aider (we recommend appointing an additional first aider to cover absences)

This assessment will determine whether your organisation is a higher or lower risk, a classification which determines the level of first aid training required ie:

• organisations in a higher risk category must put their first aiders through the full three day first aid at work (FAW) course.

• organisations in a lower risk category must put their first aiders through the one day emergency first aid at work (EFAW) course.

For help in carrying out this assessment email info@mohs.co.uk or call 0121 601 4041. Alternatively, visit www.hse.gov.uk.

After completing the FAW course, the employee's first aid certificate is valid for three years. It must then be renewed by attending a two day requalification course at least 28 days prior to the certicate expiring.

The EFAW certificate is also valid for three years after which time that course must be repeated.

NB: The HSE strongly recommends all first aiders attend a half day annual refresher course, although this is not mandatory.

Organisations should select first aiders who:

• are generally fit and health
• possess an aptitude to absorb knowledge and skills
• are able to cope with stressful and physically demanding emergency procedures
• have duties that do not prevent them from going immediately to an emergency

How to book

See below for details of our courses. Or email nikkiadams@mohs.co.uk for further information.

First aid at work Courses