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Posted By Sean Warburton
Hi all,
Does anyone out there provide Hepatitis B injections for their first Aid reps? we currently don't as i believe the risk is minimal. I'm just trying to establish what the rest do as such. And as far as i am aware there is no absolute requirement to do so. Thanks for any help
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Posted By Crim
I was employed by a prisoner custody company during the 1990's and was trained as first aider and also given a course of hep b injections. We were responsible for escorting prisoners to /from court and due to the high number of drug addicts involved this was seen as essential.
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Posted By David MacFarlane
Hi Sean,
I have a board meeting this week and this is a subject that I will actually be raising with them. Personally, I feel that our First Aiders should be given the Hep B injection. We do not pay them any extra, however they have an added responsibility in terms of potentially having to save someones life one day while at work. I think it is the least we can offer them, particularly these days with BBV's being so common!!
It will basically come down to the economic aspect with my board of Directors so I can almost foresee the outcome, however I can only advise!!
David
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Posted By David-J-Jones
Hi Sean
I believe INDG342 is still the latest version (blood borne viruses in the workplace). This advises that normally, unless the risk assessment identifies otherwise ( working with a high risk group) that immunisation is not normally necessary for first aiders.
Safe working practices such as covering cuts and grazes with a waterproof dressing , using gloves and washing hands are more appropriate.
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Posted By Andy Brazier
I don't know the answer, but what is the risk from having the injection? I doubt it will be zero, so you may find this exceeds the risk from giving first aid.
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Posted By Linda Westrupp
Hi Sean
We only give Hep B vaccination to those in high risk areas i.e. those dealing with the public and clients who may need to give first aid to them as well as staff. As a previous poster says there is guidance that indicates it should not normally be necessary. The First Aid at Work Regs do ask for risk assessments to assess the level of cover, these could also include the level of risk to practitioners i.e. how many of your employees are likely to be Hep B Positive?
Just a thought - if you protect against Hep B, what would do about Hep C, HIV etc. for which there are no vaccinations.
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Posted By Fornhelper
Had to deal with a similar situation a few years ago and after seeking the advice of our Occ Health doctor was advised that there was a higher risk from the injection and possibilty of adverse effects (though minimal) than from anyone carrying out first aid duties and using the recognised 'infection control' controls.
FH
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Posted By Jean Chamberlain
Gloves, particulary gloves that fit are superbly useful. You should assume that everyone you come into contact with has Hep B. I've had two courses of Hep B vaccine. I've not managed to produce a single antibody. I'm still glad I tried. Follow the first aid procedures and contact A & E without delay.
Hope this helps.
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Posted By Sean Warburton
Thanks all for your comments, generally i seem to be in the majority, in that we don't provide this given the Minimal likelihood of risk. And that good hygiene standards sit higher within the heirarchy on control measures. Interesting also that some of you say your first Aid training providers recommend this, this seems to be the case with all, I'm guessing they also provide this (at a cost of course):)
Thanks again all for you help.
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Posted By Fred Pratley
I agree that its a pre-requisite that you assess what situations your 1st aiders may be getting into - In our case, an engineering company of 500 with 50/50 split between "office" and "shop floor".
At this number of people, chances are you will have at least 1 of everything - Drug user/ alcoholic/ diabetic/ epileptic - to name but a few possibles.
Most recent "major" incident involved a person falling down stone steps outside an office (NOT work related) - resulting scalp wound and fair amount of blood which is always the case with head wounds.
The 1st aider on scene came from the nearest office and not the shop floor, so for me minimum likelihood is to assume all 1st aiders can face worse case accidents.
As such, we offer Hep B etc just as if they were in the medical profession and ensure they get sound medical advice from our company health advisers and leave them to make an informed decision.
Fred
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