What should a first aid policy contain?

Posted 4 years ago

A first aid policy is an essential document that outlines the necessary steps that should be taken when an injury or illness in the workplace occurs. Your first aid policy should be comprehensive, covering areas such as the first aid provisions needed, the first aid personnel requirements and any first aid equipment and facilities that are available.

Essentially, it should meet the needs of employees and comply with regulations outlined in the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981. We understand it can be difficult to consider all the various aspects of what to include in a first aid policy, that’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you cover all the areas you need.

Below is a suggested list of items to cover in your First aid at work policy. The guidance and contents will vary depending on your organisation's needs & requirements:

Assessing first aid requirements

The identification of risks should be the first steps taken when devising your first aid policy. A thorough examination of the following areas will provide you with the information you need to write your initial assessment that complies with HSE regulations:

Any workplace hazards and risks.
Where first aid equipment is located in the workplace.
What training is required for first aiders?
How many employees are in the workplace?

You should also include important information that outlines the following:

Who the organisation is?
Who is the first aid policy applicable to?
The purpose of the policy.
What is the scope of the policy?
Acknowledgement of the need to meet legislative duties as an employer.

You should ensure your first aid policy is available to view in a written format, with an annual review of the first aid assessment carried out to implement any necessary changes.

Choosing your first aiders

You should select first aiders who are sufficiently trained and can apply the appropriate assistance and measures where necessary. When selecting your first aiders, you should consider the different roles and responsibilities. You may have a selection of first aiders and other nominated persons who are known as appointed persons.

First aider - A first aider is someone who is qualified to give first aid treatment in the event of an injury or illness. (British Red Cross)
Appointed person - An appointed person is someone who is nominated to take charge of first aid arrangements, such as looking after the first aid kit and calling an ambulance in an emergency. (British Red Cross)

This should also include the following roles and responsibilities across your organisation:

Employer responsibilities
Manager and line manager responsibilities
Staff responsibilities

You should consider regularly reviewing the roles and designated persons you have assigned these duties to, alongside any additional first aid training that new assignees may need if you increase the number of designated first aiders.

First aid training

Consider the following points when assessing the type of first aid training that you need to incorporate as part of your policy.

What training is required for First Aiders and Appointed Persons (this will be determined by risk assessment)
How often training should be redone, who is doing the training, and is there a need for valid certificates?
Recommendation for a refresher course each year.

Discover more about what first aid training covers with our dedicated blog post here.

First aid equipment

Your first aid policy should outline all the relevant first aid equipment that is available when first aid needs to be administered. This may consist of the following items:

Bandages
Medication
Antiseptic wipes
Disposable gloves
First aid manual

Again, the contents of your first aid supplies will be determined by the type of workplace setting. You may need to include any additional supplies that are industry-specific.

Persons of responsibility should check the contents of first aid supplies, ensuring that all documented equipment is present and are in adequate condition for use.

Staying compliant with first aid legislation

Depending on your business, you will need to consider what legislation is applicable for your first aid policy in conjunction with the requirements of your business.

First Aid Procedures

Consider the following questions when outlining your first aid procedures in the workplace:

How to respond in events of first aid being required.
What is the protocol for first aid?
Chain of people to call (e.g. the first aider, then the emergency services, etc.)

Keeping a documented record

Recording all instances in an Accident Book is critical for employers and employees. It is a legal requirement to record and report details of any work-related injuries and incidents. This includes compliance with Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences (RIDDOR), which helps your business to comply with legal requirements.

References

This area should include references to legislation or other papers that you may use in your policy.

First Aid Training with iHasco

As outlined in this article, the importance of a first aid policy in the workplace is essential. Ensuring your employees have the requisite first aid training is key to a successful first aid policy, and we can help with our extensive range of online first aid courses which include:

Our refresher courses work perfectly alongside practical training to keep your knowledge up to date. These CPD Accredited Courses will help you work towards compliance with the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981.

Please note you will still need to complete a practical training course to become a qualified emergency first aider or first aider.