FIRST AID KIT AND CABOODLE
If you work in an office you might not think you’re at risk of getting into any serious accidents. But anything could happen. Office Depot’s Health & Safety Manager Lionel Bailey explains how to put together a workplace first aid kit – just in case.
Mitigating risks in the workplace starts with ensuring that there are relevant first aid provisions on site. Potential hazards may not be obvious in a traditional office environment and a lack of awareness can lead to a shortfall in first aid provision. Minor accidents can develop into serious issues due to misunderstandings and the inability to apply the correct first aid treatments.
Although there is no legislative requirement for UK businesses to possess standardised first aid kits or a fixed number of first aiders, government regulations say firms must be able to provide adequate treatment in reasonable time following a workplace injury.
FIRST STEPS The contents of a first aid kit must be based upon the findings of a site risk assessment. The First Aid at Work ACOP L74 published by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) provides guidance and support for employers on managing the provision of first aid in the workplace, including how to carry out a regular risk assessment.
Businesses with multiple sites will need to conduct separate assessments for each of their sites. Within a large firm, business models may vary across the different locations, therefore the assessment should identify the specific needs of each site and provide first aid equipment and trained personnel to accommodate this. In complex situations, with multiple first aiders across multiple sites, there may be a requirement for a lead first aider on each site to oversee procedures.
CHOOSE WISELY While there isn’t a regulatory requirement under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, there is a British standard for first aid kits. Employers need to base their list
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of first aid items on the level of risk within the business and this should be driven by the number of employees in the office and how often staff are exposed to potential hazards.
In terms of the essentials, a first aid kit equipped to BS 8599 is a good start, although it is advisable that employers choose the contents to address the specific hazards and risks within their workplace. The site assessment may identify the need for additional items aside from the core first aid kit, such as foil blankets or disposable aprons.
Another key consideration is the need for a first aid room, along with the provision of personal or vehicle first aid kits for employees who travel. Employers need to stay vigilant and remember that first aid provision must be sufficient and appropriate in all circumstances and available across all areas where they are liable, including consideration for varying shift patterns and the needs of visitors coming to site.
ENGAGE THE WORKFORCE In terms of briefing employees about workplace safety and first aid provision, verbal communication is always best. First aid advice on how to use equipment correctly should always come from the first aider who possesses up-to-date knowledge of key risk areas onsite. While it would be ideal for all employees in the business to have some first aid knowledge this is not a requirement in a typical office environment.
The number of first aid trained staff depends solely on the hazards and risks within each workplace. Anyone qualified in EFAW (Emergency First Aid at Work) must re-train every three years and, in addition, the HSE strongly recommends that first aiders attend annual refresher training courses to keep their skills up-to-date. This training will ensure employers comply with the legal requirements and avoid a shortfall in their first aid provision.
Even if it’s an office, there will always be hazards in the workplace; it is just that the risk from such hazards may be low-level. This is where awareness is needed and employers must take the first steps to communicate with employees regularly and review the risks posed within their business. Without possessing the correct items to treat an injury, a minor accident could become major and lead to a devastating fatality.
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