Important Updates to HSE Guidance
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) plays a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of employees in the workplace by setting guidelines for health and safety practices, including first aid provision. Employers are required to adhere to the HSE's regulations, which are periodically revised and updated. Staying informed about these changes is essential to maintaining a safe work environment and providing adequate first aid support when needed. By following the HSE's guidelines, businesses can help prevent accidents, reduce risks, and protect the health of their employees as well as ensuring that they are compliant with relevant legal duties.
Regularly checking for updates to the HSE's documentation is vital for us as training providers to ensure that our first aid training aligns with the latest industry standards and that our customers and clients are being provided with the best possible service. These updates may introduce new practices, procedures, or requirements that can enhance workplace safety and emergency response or changes to existing practices which will improve existing requirements. By staying abreast of these changes and implementing them promptly, organisations can demonstrate a commitment to prioritising the well-being and safety of their staff. Ultimately, compliance with the HSE's guidelines not only fosters a culture of safety but also helps prevent injuries and mitigate risks in the workplace.
In January 2024 there were significant amendments affecting First Aid Provision ACOP (Approved Code of Practice): First aid at work The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 (Document L74). These included:
- emphasise employers’ responsibilities to take account of employees’ mental health in their first-aid needs assessment;
“It may also be helpful to have people trained to identify and understand mental ill health symptoms who are able to support someone who is experiencing a mental health issue. You may decide that someone with an FAW or EFAW qualification is already able to provide initial support and reassurance to a worker experiencing an acute mental health episode, but you should consider if any further training is required. You should be satisfied that they:
- Know how to access professional help if necessary
- Can act promptly, safely and effectively until that help is available”
(NOTE: Fabtraining deliver a range of First Aid for Mental Health courses that can provide employers and employees valuable information regarding mental health concerns. Further details can be found here)
- change the term ‘catastrophic bleeding’ to ‘life-threatening bleeding’ with more guidance on what employers should do if they identify this as a risk in their workplace;
The HSE state that haemostatic dressings, tourniquets and wound packing materials (sterile gauze) may be required in addition to the standard first aid kit within a workplace. They go on to state that training in the application of these products may be necessary in sectors such as agriculture, forestry and construction, and working locations in remote areas. They also state that employers of people working in hospitality, events, or other relevant sectors should consider additional training to prepare for injuries to colleagues or the public resulting from terrorist acts or other violent incidents.
(NOTE: Fabtraining have the ability to include the optional “catastrophic bleeding” module on all of the First Aid at Work qualifications delivered using the very best training aids to demonstrate recognition and treatment. Our trainers will discuss and assess the need for this module prior to the course commencing. This is provided at no additional charge to our customers).
- simplify guidance on first-aid training providers;
When your first-aid needs assessment indicates that trained first-aiders are required, the training should meet the required standard. First-aid training is available from a number of sources. The 2013 amendment to regulation 3(2) of the Health and Safety (First-aid) Regulations 1981 removed the requirement for HSE to approve the training and qualifications of appointed first-aid personnel. As HSE no longer approves first-aid training and qualifications, this guidance has been produced to help employers select first-aid training providers.
This document was updated in 2024 to simplify what employers should consider when selecting a training provider and can be found in this document section 60.
(NOTE: Fabtraining undertake regular and robust internal and external quality assurance exercises to ensure that the training we deliver at least meet but often exceed the requirements set out in the HSE guidance and we are confident that we provide a service that is of an incredibly high standard)
In summary, our top priority is to ensure that we meet all the requirements set by the regulatory bodies. By doing so, we aim to provide a service that leaves our customers feeling reassured and satisfied with their experience. Whether it's through our products, services, or support, we strive to go above and beyond to meet and exceed the expectations of those we serve. Customer satisfaction is at the core of everything we do, and we take great pride in our ability to deliver on our promises and provide a level of reassurance that sets us apart in the eyes of our valued customers.