New Workplace First Aid regulations come into force today
The new First Aid regulations come into force from today 1st October 2009. It is the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) that is responsible for reviewing and enforcing the regulations.
I have already explained many of the changes in Changes to First Aid at Work courses starting in October.
The noticeable differences are in the reduction of length of an initial First Aid at Work course (FAW) from four days to three days, a recommendation that a refresher course is attended annually (re-qualification remains as a two day course every 3 years) and the introduction of a new one day Emergency First Aid in the Workplace (EFAW).
Anyone holding a current valid First Aid at Work certificate is still covered by their existing training. They will just need to attend the new re-qualification course when their existing certificate is due for renewal.
My own opinion is that the more training in first aid that is provided the better the person will be at reacting to the situation. Therefore I think it’s better for most first aiders to have the full FAW qualification. The EFAW does have a place for training additional people to act in the case that the main first aider is not available.
Related Links
- HSE Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on the new First Aid at Work courses
- First Aid Training and Information
- More First Aid / Health and Safety / Health and Fitness blog posts
- St John Ambulance guide to workplace first aid changes
For another way to help keep your first aid knowledge refreshed try the: First Aid Quiz website.
Note: The First Aid Quiz website is not a substitute for proper First Aid Training provided by a registered training organisation (such as St John Ambulance).