Rank: New forum user 
|
We are having problems recruiting willing First Aiders on one of our shifts. We have assessed the need and concluded that we need at least one trained First Aider. Although all First Aiders are paid a bonus at the end of each year no one wants to do it. My question is how do we stand legally running a manufacturing shift of approximately 25 personnel without this cover, and is there anything I can do?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user 
|
The first thing to do is to find out why they are unwilling. Sometimes for example this is because of misconceptions about personal liability.
|
 1 user thanked Kate for this useful post.
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user 
|
Hi Matt,
Unfortunately in my experience forcing people to become first aiders never works. I found that having a meeting with the staff an discussing their worries on becoming first aiders works. It allows you to discuss that if they were involved in an accident wuld they expect someone to aid them? of course they would but what if you dont have anyone how can that happen? The HSE gives guidance on this http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg214.pdf where it mentions that you need an appointed person to take control of this albeit not a first aider. Have a read, but an open discussion may give you your answer and hopefully a volunteer or 2. An appointed person could be a supervisor, manager or yourself.
|
1 user thanked Martin Brogan for this useful post.
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
I wouldn't assume that an appointed person is enough in this case. It's not just about the numbers of people, it's about the risks. This is manufacturing and manufacturing is usually high enough risk that you would need a fully qualified first aider - and cover for when that person is not at work, so really, a minimum of two.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
For what it's worth, this is a problem that everyone will probably encounter at some point. One way around it at a few places I've worked was to change the job specification for Supervisors so that being a First Aider was included. Perhaps not the best solution from a few perspectives, but its a pragmatic one. I didn't hear of any issues with those people giving treatment and looking after people afterwards, and a few of them actually quite enjoyed their new responsibilities!
|
1 user thanked Swygart25604 for this useful post.
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
I used to identify and speak to people who had young children and point out how it was just as advantagous to them as company and that seemed to work. Always never forget "Its better to have one willing occupant than 10 press ganged people" ;) lol Alan
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
hi Matt, I note that your First aiders get a bonus at the end of the year, may i ask how much this is and i it is related to attendance?
The reason I am interested is that following my reveiew of first aid etc for new employer I have found out that half of them recieve bonuses and half don't. The amount they get seems very generous and is in no way related to attendance.
This is a can of worms so any insights in motiviation and management of First aiders will be welcome
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.