Press releases

Are you sure you're covered?

Many employers are inadvertently breaking health and safety laws by not training enough staff in first aid, according to St John Ambulance.

A survey by the leading first aid charity found that 79 per cent of businesses experienced periods of time where no trained first aiders were present in the workplace.

“It’s vital people have first aid skills in the workplace at all times” said Clive James, Training and Development Manager at St John Ambulance. “In the case of cardiac arrest, if someone is not there to start CPR before an ambulance arrives, the chance of survival is very remote.”
A company without a recognised trained first aider puts the wellbeing of staff at risk and there is always a possibility of accidents or sudden illness in the workplace, whatever an organisation’s size. Inadequate cover could mean an employer is in breach of their legal obligations and St John Ambulance research suggests the HSE’s new guidance is yet to be fully embraced.

Many companies may still be under the impression that an Appointed persons course alone is adequate cover. Under new HSE guidance introduced in October 2009, an Appointed person is not classified as a first-aider because it does not include attempting first aid, for which they have received no training.
The one day Emergency first aid at work course is the HSE approved course and replaces the Appointed persons course. It is the minimum St John Ambulance recommends in a workplace of five or more. Courses taken before this date are still valid for three years from the date of qualification, but requalification should now be on the one day Emergency first aid at work course.
To find out more and check how many qualified first aiders you need in your workplace, use the Workplace training guide at http://www.sja.org.uk/comply