Legislation
There are a number of pieces of legislation, as well as guidance documents that cover first aid requirements, including:
THE HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK ACT 1974 AND HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK (NORTHERN IRELAND) ORDER 1978
These are the primary pieces of legislation covering occupational health and safety in the United Kingdom. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 covers Great Britain and the corresponding legislation covering Northern Ireland is the Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978.
Both set out the general duties which:
- Employers have towards employees and members of the public
- Employees have to themselves and to each other
- Certain self-employed people have towards themselves and others
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are one of the authorities responsible for enforcing the Act within Great Britain and for Northern Ireland it is the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI).
THE MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK REGULATIONS 1999 (2000 IN NORTHERN IRELAND)
The regulations specify what employers must do to manage health and safety under the Health and Safety at Work Act/Order.
The main requirement is to carry out a risk assessment identifying what could cause injury or illness in the workplace and actions required to eliminate or control the risk of harm.
The HSE has guidance on the regulations ‘Managing for Health and Safety (HSG65)’.
THE HEALTH AND SAFETY (FIRST AID) REGULATIONS 1981 (1982 IN NORTHERN IRELAND)
The regulations require employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to ensure their employees and others receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work.
An employer should conduct a first aid needs assessment considering the workplace, workforce, and hazards and risks there may be.
The HSE L74 Guidance supports the regulations and helps employers to determine first aid requirements.
THE MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK REGULATIONS 1999 (2000 IN NORTHERN IRELAND)
The regulations specify what employers must do to manage health and safety under the Health and Safety at Work Act/Order.
The main requirement is to carry out a risk assessment identifying what could cause injury or illness in the workplace and actions required to eliminate or control the risk of harm.
The HSE has guidance on the regulations ‘Managing for Health and Safety (HSG65)’.
THE HEALTH AND SAFETY (FIRST AID) REGULATIONS 1981 (1982 IN NORTHERN IRELAND)
The regulations require employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to ensure their employees and others receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work.
An employer should conduct a first aid needs assessment considering the workplace, workforce, and hazards and risks there may be.
The HSE L74 Guidance supports the regulations and helps employers to determine first aid requirements.