October 2009 will see the Health and Safety Executive make the first changes to the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 L74 for over a quarter of a century, in the hope of improving First Aid skills and regulation compliance in the workplace.  These changes have been developed in consultation with first aid training providers to address specific issues relating to the future approval of these training organisations, including Pre Med Health Care. Subsequently, HSE has met with stakeholder groups representing first aid training providers to address specific issues relating to the future approval of these training organisations.

Paul Evans Director of Medical Services, stated:

“The major change in the regulation will be that the current 4 day First Aid at Work (FAW) course will be reduced to a 3 day course. A new level of First Aid provision will be introduced; the Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course will be a mandatory 1 day course similar to the Emergency Aid for Appointed Persons course that is currently recommended. To help employers understand the changes we've compiled a set of frequently asked questions and common enquiries received by HSE".

1.   When will the changes be fully implemented?  
2.   If I need first aiders in my workplace before 1 October 2009, what training will they need?
3.   If a first aider obtains an FAW certificate just before implementation of the new training  regime,   will they need to be retrained as soon as the new courses are introduced?
4.   Will annual refresher training be a mandatory requirement?   
5.   Why are the changes happening?      
6.   What are the changes?                                              
7.   Can I wait for the new course?        
8.   Will I have to attend refresher training?  
9.   What course and how many first aiders do I need?          
10.  What is the difference between a first aider and an emergency first aider?

In the text below, FAW refers to ‘first aid at work’ and EFAW to ‘emergency first aid at work’. 

1. When will the changes be fully implemented?

The new training courses will be introduced from 1 October 2009.  More details on implementation and the guidance that will be published to support it.

2. If I need first aiders in my workplace before 1 October 2009, what training will they need?

The current requirements will remain in place until 1 October 2009.  Any prospective first aiders will need to successfully complete a four day FAW course delivered by an HSE approved training organisation.

3. If a first aider obtains an FAW certificate just before implementation of the new training regime, will they need to be retrained as soon as the new courses are introduced?

No.  They will only enter the new training regime when their three year FAW certificate expires. 

4. Will annual refresher training be a mandatory requirement?

No.  It will be strongly recommended to employers to help qualified first aiders maintain their basic skills and keep up to date with any changes in first aid procedures.

5. Why are the changes happening?

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), carried out an evaluation of first aid in the workplace and found that 'although first aid awareness and penetration in workplaces was good, compliance was found to be more "in spirit" rather than the letter of the regulations and this exposed some important deficiencies in the format and content of guidance and in the proportionality of the current regulatory requirements for lower risk employees'. The new 'recommendations are made regarding the development of the regulations and associated guidance and on the frequency and length of first aid training'. The changes have been developed in consultation with employers and training providers and it is hoped that the new format will make it easier for employers to comply with the regulations.

6. What are the changes?

The current initial four day First Aid at Work (FAW) course will be shortened to three days and there will be a new qualification of Emergency First Aider in the Workplace (EFAW) that will require a one day training course. The FAW requalification remains unchanged at two days. The HSE will also strongly recommend that FAW and EFAW students attend an annual three hour Basic Skills Update (BSU) course to prevent 'skills fade'.

7. Can I wait for the new course?

No, you will need to maintain trained first aiders in your workplace between now and October 2009. Also we do not envisage that there will be anything included on the new course that is not already covered but we are waiting for the HSE to confirm this. The current qualification will still be valid for three years. The HSE has already stated that the new system will take three years from October 2009 to implement.

8. Will I have to attend refresher training?

The HSE recognise that 'skills fade' does occur during the three year validity of current certificates and strongly recommend a three hour basic skills update annually. You will not need this update the same year that you attend a requalification course, but would undertake a BSU course in years one and two before taking a requalification course in year three.

9. What course and how many first aiders do I need?

To decide on the numbers of first aiders required and the level of training needed, employers are required to carry out a risk assessment. When assessing your specific needs, employers need to consider:

workplace hazards and risks.
the size of the organisation.
the organisation's history of accidents.
the nature and distribution of the workforce.
the remoteness of the site from emergency medical services.
the needs of travelling, remote and lone workers.
employees working on shared or multi-occupied sites.
annual leave and other absences of first aiders and appointed persons.
 

HSE will provide updated guidance for employers before the changes are implemented.

10. What is the difference between a first aider in the workplace and an emergency first aider in the workplace?

A risk assessment will highlight the level of risk in the workplace, using this information you will be able to decide what course is required for your first aiders. Generally speaking, FAW trained first aiders will be required in higher risk sites; lower risk may only require EFAW trained staff, but this will dependant on other factors. Further information will be available from the HSE website www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid nearer the time of implementation. Providing adequate first aid facilities at you place of work is a requirement under The Health and Safety at work act. Pre Med Health Care are approved training providers of The Health & Safety Executive (Registration No. 67/97).   This first aid course is designed to train selected employees in both theoretical and practical aspects of First Aid, to the standard required by Health & Safety Executive. The First Aid at Work Course complies fully with the current Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 L74. Successful candidates will be awarded a "First Aid at Work" certificate. The First Aid qualification associated with this course is valid for 3 years.