FAQ

In the UK, the rules around having a first aider in the workplace are governed by the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981. These regulations require employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities, and personnel to ensure that employees receive immediate help if they are injured or taken ill at work.

The specific requirements vary based on the nature of the workplace, the number of employees, and the type of risks present. Here's a breakdown:

​

Key Responsibilities for Employers:

1. Risk Assessment: Employers must conduct a first-aid needs assessment to determine the level of risk in the workplace. This assessment should consider factors such as the size of the workforce, the nature of the work (e.g., low-risk office work vs. high-risk construction work), accident history, and the presence of hazardous materials or machinery.

2. First Aid Provision: Based on the risk assessment, employers must decide:

   • The number of first aiders required.

   • The level of training the first aiders need (either Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) or First Aid at Work (FAW)).

   • The type and quantity of first aid equipment (e.g., first aid kits).

   • The need for additional first aid rooms or specialised equipment, depending on the risks involved.​

​

Difference Between FAW and EFAW:

1. Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW):

   • Duration: A one-day (6-hour) course.

   • Content: Covers basic first aid skills, including dealing with emergencies like choking, bleeding, and minor injuries. It's suitable for workplaces with lower risks (e.g., offices, shops).

   • Qualification: Upon successful completion, candidates receive an EFAW certificate, which is valid for three years.

   • Focus: Primarily teaches first aid for life-threatening situations until professional help arrives.

2. First Aid at Work (FAW):

   • Duration: A three-day (18-hour) course.

   • Content: More comprehensive, covering everything in the EFAW course, plus additional subjects like managing major injuries (e.g., fractures, burns), illnesses (e.g., heart attacks, strokes), and the treatment of unconscious casualties.

   • Qualification: Upon successful completion, candidates receive an FAW certificate, which is valid for three years.

   • Focus: Suitable for workplaces with higher risks, where a broader range of first aid incidents might occur (e.g., factories, warehouses, construction sites)

​

Which Course Should a Company Choose?

The decision between EFAW and FAW should be based on the results of the company's first aid needs assessment.

• Low-risk workplaces (e.g., small offices, retail shops) may find that having a first aider trained in EFAW is sufficient. This course covers basic first aid needs and is often suitable for environments where serious accidents are less likely to occur.

• Higher-risk workplaces (e.g., construction sites, manufacturing plants) will typically require first aiders with FAW training due to the increased likelihood of serious injuries. These environments may also need a higher number of first aiders due to the nature of the work.

​

Other Considerations:

• Number of First Aiders: The assessment should also determine how many trained first aiders are needed. For example, in higher-risk environments, a larger workforce may necessitate multiple first aiders to ensure coverage across different shifts or areas.

• Requalification: Both FAW and EFAW certificates are valid for three years. Employers should ensure that first aiders requalify before their certification expires to maintain compliance.

• Ongoing Training: Employers should consider offering regular refresher courses to keep first aiders' skills up-to-date, even though the certificate itself lasts for three years.

By conducting a thorough risk assessment and choosing the appropriate level of first aid training, companies can ensure they meet their legal obligations and create a safer workplace for their employees.