Posted By Kate Graham Can you point to any accident records showing there have been cuts, burns, chemical exposure etc? If so that would strengthen the case for first aiders. Kate

Posted By MAK Hi Mike, you can find additional guidance on this at : http://www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid/legislation.htm Basically the regulations (First aid at work regs 1981) apply to all workplaces regardless of their proximity to a A&E department, and require a trained first aider where there are 5 employees or more, nominated people are applicable for where there are less than 5 people. The guidance at the link above will demonstrate that also an assessment should be undertaken which will address the nature of the activities at the workplace and the possible injuries that could occur, consideration should also be given to general first aid provisions, i.e eye wash, plasters etc. Be careful of how you present your findings on this to the managment, there will be a cost involved in amending your current system, and we all know how some employers can be extremely resistant to change, when costs are involved. I am a First Aider and volunteer for the British Red Cross, and if you require training in your area you can access their web at: http://www.redcrossfirstaidtraining.co.uk/ m

Posted By Andrew Robertson-Böber It is important to remember that the 1 to 50 equation is a ‘guideline’. What is crucial is that for any company the number and type of first aid personnel would be based on an assessment. In assessing need, employers need to consider: - workplace hazards and risks; - the size of the organization; - the organization’s history of accidents; - the nature and distribution of the workforce; - the remoteness of the site from emergency medical services; - the needs of travelling, remote and lone workers; - employees working on shared or multi-occupied sites; - annual leave and other absences of first aiders and appointed persons. Simply reliance on the proximity of the closest hospital is quite inconsequential to this assessment, albeit entirely feckless, as First-Aid is about the provision to ensure employees receive ‘immediate’ attention when injured or ill at work. For instance, if you are dealing the a severe trauma based injury (such as a severed limb, or crushing) then someone is going to need to stabilize the patient for the emergency services to take over. It would not be deemed acceptable if all you could do is stand over a dying man twiddling your thumbs. Conversely, it is your assessment which would identify the types and severity of injuries which would occur. The latter point is also equally as important as say you only have 1 first aider to 50 employees then who is providing first aid when that employee is on leave or absent? It is prob best if you sit down with your managers and have a polite discussion based around this assessment having been undertaken. Remember, this isn't nearly as fraught as determining expedition medical requirements and training so always count your blessings. I, however, can't. B Andrew Böber PGCert CMIOSH FRSH FRGS Chartered Safety & Health Practitioner Health & Safety Manager Zoological Society of London