Rank: Guest 
|
Posted By David Adams
Apologies if this subject has come up before.
The First Aid at Work Regs and ACOP 'helpfully' tell us that that there needs to be first aid provision at all times someone is at work. Provision meaning kit, trained people and informing staff of arangements.
Taking this to its illogical conclusion would mean that a single person cannot stay late / start early in the office or the first person in would have to wait for a second person to show up!! Has anyone a sensible procedure or a way around this?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By steve e ashton
The regs require 'suitable and sufficient' first aid provision. What is 'suitable and sufficient' depends on a number of factors including (inter alia) how many people are at risk, how great is the risk, how close is professional assistance etc etc.
If your risk assessment says you normally need a first aider (because of numbers employed...) and there are fewer persons on site at certain times (eg night shift / holiday cover) then you need to revisit the risk assessment and allocate a different interpretation of what is 'suitable and sufficient' in those circumstances.
If the task required is to use 'dangerous machinery' or chemicals.... then it would be a wise assessment that specifies a minimum number of people on site or otherwise immediately available before this work commences.
Don't get hung up on having a set ration of first aiders to employees - just ask what is the chance that someone will need first aid -and how can we make reasonably sure (s)he will be able to get it....
Hope this helps
Steve
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Adrian Watson
David,
It is dependant on the level of risk posed by the work activity. If you are carrying out activities with a high risk of injury you should make appropriate provision for first aid and this should consider the type and degree of injury.
If the person needs help he needs it quickly! It should be remembered that an unconscious person cannot phone for help and that whilst an activity alarm may raise the alarm it doesn't guarantee help will arrive in time. It should also be remembered that if a person doesn't get oxygen to brain tissue within 6+ minutes he doesn't need first aid he needs a wooden box.
Regards Adrian Watson
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.