Updates to First Aid at Work Guidelines (L74)

Employers need to be aware that there have been recent changes to First Aid at Work Guidelines (L74).

This article details the changes made in the most recent update and what actions businesses can take when addressing first-aid provision in the workplace.

The legislative document, produced by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), provides guidance on:

• Managing the provision of first aid (first-aid kit, equipment, rooms etc)
• Requirements and training for first-aiders
• Requirements for appointed persons
• Making employees aware of first-aid arrangements
• First aid and the self-employed
• Cases where first-aid regulations do not apply

Here are the 2024 updates in a nutshell:

Employee Mental Health:

Employers must take responsibility to take account of employees’ mental health in their first-aid needs assessment.

The HSE guidance highlights that it is also beneficial to have members of staff trained that can identify and understand symptoms of mental ill health amongst employees. This is in addition to those with competence in either first aid at work or emergency first aid at work.

The purpose of this is to help support someone who is experiencing a mental health issue at work. They should only provide initial support, whereby they know where and how to access professional help if required, as well as how to act effectively until the further help is available.

‘Life-Threatening Bleeding’ – Terminology Change:

The term ‘catastrophic bleeding’ has been changed to ‘life-threatening bleeding’, with more guidance on what employers should do if they identify this as a risk in their workplace.

If life-threatening bleeding has occurred in your workplace, it is imperative to ensure that the first aid provision in place is able to cater such injuries in the future.

First Aid Training Providers:

There is also a need to simplify guidance on first aid training providers. Training material and the content of the first aid course is expected to be in accordance with the following:

• Current guidelines published by the Resuscitation Council (UK), and
• The current edition of the first-aid manual of the Voluntary Aid Societies (St John Ambulance, British Red Cross, St Andrew’s First Aid), or
• Other published guidelines, provided they are in line with the two above, or
• Supported by a responsible body of medical opinion

How THSP can support you:

At THSP, we offer a wide range of First Aid courses at both our Bedford Head Office and sites across the country. More information can be found here on our specific training courses and how to book onto yours.