What does the Law say about the need for First Aid in Workplaces?
Under the Health and Safety in Employment Regulations 1995 employers are required to take all practicable steps to ensure:
- first aid facilities are provided at every place of work under the control of the employer
- the facilities are suitable for the purpose for which they are used
- the facilities are provided in sufficient numbers
- the facilities are maintained in good order and condition
- all employees have access to these facilities in a way that is convenient to them.
The relevant regulations are:
- regulation 4(2)(d), to be read in conjunction with regulation 7.
The Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 doesn't contain any specific provisions requiring first aid facilities. But it imposes a duty on employers to take all practicable steps to ensure the safety of employers and others in the place of work. In some circumstances this may be achieved by the provision of first aid equipment, facilities, training and information.
The relevant sections of the Act are:
- section 6(a), (b) and (e)
- section 12(1)(a) to (d)
- section 16(2)(b)
- section 18.
Employers are also required by section 19B of the HSE Act to involve employees in health and safety matters, including matters referred to in sections 6 to 13 of the Act