Posted By Clare Gabriel I have just seen an advert in the BSC magazine for a company advertising their services. Their capture line is 'don't take a chance your company's liability insurance will cover the treatment activities of your first aiders while they are at work'. Has anyone any evidence that insurance companies are not/would not pay out if a first aider had a problem? I have emailed our insurers to see what their policy is. Any information gratefully received. Also your comments please. I'm not tempted - just never gave it a thought

Posted By Phil Grace Clare, The firm's Employers' Liability policy provides cover for any legal liabilities that the firm may incur e.g. being liable to pay damages to an injured employee. The usual policy wording will include the extension of that cover/protection to members of sports and social clubs, canteens, fire fighting teams, first aiders and security staff. This may be qualified by comment "...at the firm's request" So yes there is cover there. A few points: - insurance is for the business e.g. plastics injection moulder, they may not have security staff, they may outsource it - hence cover is optional - not every firm has a canteen - and such a facility is not part of the business description - bear in mind that if the sports and social club organises a sponsored abseil, fire walking etc etc it might be advisable to seek views of your insurer rather than assume that the activities will be covered! Hope this helps Phil

Posted By Phil Grace Phil, Good point - I should have clarified that cover provided under the EL insurance will only operate in respect of a first aiders activities at work, in respect of assistance given to another injured employee. I believe - but have not confirmed - that he cover given by organisations such as Red Cross and St Johns is full "24 hour" cover. Phil