People move on – to new companies, new departments, new shifts and sites. But when your staff change, do your First Aid arrangements change with them?
It’s easy for businesses to assume their workplace first aid cover is still compliant, only to discover too late that their designated first aider has left, their training has expired, or the workplace has evolved beyond its original risk assessment.
At Pentel Training, we see this all too often, and the consequences can be serious.
First Aid Isn’t a ‘Set and Forget’ Responsibility
First Aid provision isn’t something that can be ticked off once and filed away. The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 make it clear that employers must provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities, and personnel to ensure employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work.
That means:
- Having trained First Aiders (or appointed persons, where appropriate) on site
- Keeping their qualifications up to date
- Ensuring your provision reflects current staffing levels, work activities, and site layout
If you’ve had staff turnover, expanded your premises, or changed the nature of your operation – it’s time to review your arrangements.
Techniques and Guidance Change
Even if your designated first aider is still in post, when did they last refresh their skills? First Aid guidance evolves regularly, incorporating new research and medical understanding. A refresher course ensures your team responds confidently and correctly in an emergency.
For example, updates to CPR techniques and the use of defibrillators have changed in recent years, meaning that even someone trained just a few years ago could be out of step with current best practice.
The Legal and Financial Risks of Falling Behind
Failing to maintain proper First Aid provision isn’t just unsafe – it’s illegal. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) can and will prosecute organisations that don’t meet their legal duties. The consequences can be severe
When No First Aider Is on Duty: A Costly Lesson from NPS Worldwide UK
In 2019 NPS Worldwide UK was hit with a £28,000 fine after an agency worker suffered a life-changing injury to her hand when it was caught in a rotating fan blade.
The HSE found that the company had failed to carry out a suitable risk assessment and provide adequate information, instruction and training to workers.
Additionally, no First Aid provision was available on the night shift when the incident occurred, and this contributed to the injured person suffering further as incorrect first aid was administered.
Prosecutions are most likely when an incident occurs and investigators discover that the employer’s first aid arrangements were out of date, inadequate, or non-existent.
Your Legal Duty as an Employer
Every employer has a legal duty to ensure their workplace is covered by trained First Aiders and appropriate facilities. The level of provision required will depend on your business size and the risks involved, but it must always be sufficient.
Ask yourself:
- Do you have enough trained First Aiders on every shift and site?
- Are their qualifications current?
- Have you reassessed your needs following staffing or operational changes?
If the answer to any of these questions is uncertain, it’s time to act.
How Pentel Training Can Help
Pentel Training offers HSE-compliant First Aid at Work, Emergency First Aid, and First Aid Refresher courses designed to keep your business legally compliant and your people confident to respond in an emergency.
Our expert trainers ensure your staff are up to date with the latest techniques and regulatory guidance, so you can meet your duty of care and protect both your workforce and your organisation.
Don’t wait for an incident to discover your First Aid provision has lapsed.
Review your arrangements today and keep your team trained, ready, and compliant.
Contact Pentel Training to book your First Aid review or refresher course.
