Changes to first-aid regulations now in force
Jan 1, 2010
Amended guidance to the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 is now in force, which will see a major change in the training regime for first aid at work (FAW).
From 1 October, the mandatory four-day FAW training courses have been reduced to three days, whilst small businesses have the option of a one-day course. All qualified workplace first-aiders still have to undergo a two-day re-qualification course every three years.
The aim of the change is to save businesses time and money without compromising health and safety. The new guidelines were produced on the back of extensive consultation with, and feedback from, employers across the UK who recognised the need for first-aid training but often found it difficult to release employees for the necessary four days.
The new guidance also suggests that refresher training taken annually would be beneficial to first-aiders and their employers, with staff feeling better placed to deal with an incident in their workplace.
