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mintcake  
#1 Posted : 12 August 2013 10:53:55(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
mintcake

If we could not appoint any volunteers to be First Aiders by virtue of section 2 of the FAW Regulations could we make a member of staff have to become a ‘suitable person’ using Section 7 General duties of employees at work, i.e. It shall be the duty of every employee while at work— (b)as regards any duty or requirement imposed on his employer or any other person by or under any of the relevant statutory provisions, to co-operate with him so far as is necessary to enable that duty or requirement to be performed or complied with.
mike52  
#2 Posted : 12 August 2013 11:04:49(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
mike52

Hi Mintcake IMO it would depend on the type of business you run. If it is a medium / high risk then I would say fully qualified First-aiders should be your target. Also why are you having problems getting volunteers? Your post is not clear on that. Mike
Canopener  
#3 Posted : 12 August 2013 11:05:54(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Canopener

That’s a tricky one and I am sure you will get a number of ‘conflicting’ responses. I‘ve never had any trouble getting volunteers and we don’t pay them a fee either! In saying that, we do have some roles in our leisure centres where holding a first aid and/or lifeguarding qualification is an essential requirement of the job however, this is something that is established at the recruitment/interview stage. Doing this ‘after the event’ is somewhat trickier, as the person needs to have the aptitude and willingness to fulfil the role. You might be better to try and identify why people don’t seem to want to volunteer and deal with those issues. I am not sure if I would want to (try and) play the S7 card in this instance. Better to have a willing horse (or so I’m told).
teh_boy  
#4 Posted : 12 August 2013 12:18:50(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
teh_boy

carrot better than the stick here advertise the fact you are offering free training that might save someone's life (this could be their own child or loved one!) and the most important thing - a free lunch for the three days of training! Lots of effort might need to be put into dispelling the liability fears! this is often made worse if first aiders don't feel supported by management! So - make sure there is senior management support 100%of the way and it's good if they are trained in first aid so appreciate the issues. If we are going to force anyone to be first aiders - lets force the management team - as they are normally 'there' and normally available to respond, and they are ultimately responsible. (I have seen this included in managers roles and responsibilities before - but this needs to be handled carefully) The other side of the coin - if you have someone who has a blood borne virus (and might want to disclose this to you) someone who is 'scared of blood' or some who lacks confidence dealing with other people - they might not want to be a first aider for a good reason! My wife doesn't like blood - and she's a nurse :) good luck!
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