Checklist for assessment of first aid needs

Points to Consider

Impact on first-aid provision

Hazards (use the findings of your risk assessment and take account of any parts of your workplace that have different work activities/hazards which may require different levels of first-aid provision)

Does your workplace have low-level hazards, like you might find in offices and shops?

The minimum provision is:

·  An appointed person to take charge of first aid arrangements;

·  A suitably stocked first-aid box.

Does your workplace have higher-level hazards, such as chemicals or dangerous machinery?  Do you work activities involve special hazards, such as hydrofluoric acid or confined spaces?

You should consider:

·  Providing first-aiders;

·  Additional training for first-aiders to deal with injuries caused by special hazards;

·  Additional first-aid equipment;

·  Precise siting of first-aid equipment;

·  Providing a first-aid room;

·  Informing the emergency services;

Employees

How may people are employed on site?

Where there are small numbers of employees, the minimum provision is:

·  An appointed person to take charge of first-aid arrangements;

·  A suitably stocked first-aid box.

Where there are large numbers of employees you should consider providing:

·  First aiders;

·  Additional first-aid equipment;

·  A first-aid room.

Are there inexperienced workers on site, or employees with disabilities or particular health problems?

You should consider:

·  Additional training for first-aiders;

·  Additional first-aid equipment;

·  Local siting of first-aid equipment.

Your first-aid provision should cover work experience trainees.

Accidents and ill-health record

What injuries and illness have occurred in your workplace and where did they appear?

Makes sure your first-aid provision caters for the type of injuries and illness that might occur in your workplace.  Monitor accidents and ill health and review your first-aid provision as appropriate.

Working arrangements

Do you have employees who travel a lot work remotely or work alone:

You should consider:

·  Issuing personal first-aid kits;

·  Issuing personal communicators/mobile phones to employees

Do any of your employees work shifts or work out of hours?

You should ensure there is adequate first-aid provision at all times people are at work.

Are the premises spread out, eg are there several buildings on the site or multi-floor buildings?

You should consider provision in each building or on each floor.

Is your workplace remote from emergency medical services?

You should:

·  Inform the emergency services of your location;

·  Consider special arrangements with the emergency services.

Do you have enough provision to cover for your first-aiders or appointed persons when they are absent?

You should consider:

·  What cover is needed for annual leave and other planned absences;

·  What cover is needed for unplanned and exceptional absences.

Non-employees

Do members of the public visit your premises?

Under the Regulations, you have no legal duty to provide first aid for non-employees, but HSE strongly recommends that you include them in your first-aid provision.