Employers must take appropriate measures for handling situations that require the provision of first aid to employees in the workplace. The duty to have adequate first aid measures in place also extends to visitors and customers that use the workplace. The scope of the first aid measures required will depend on the size of the business, the number of employees and the specific risks triggered by the operations of the business. Do you need a qualified first aider on your premises? It is the responsibility of the employer to assess if there is a need for a first aider in the workplace. To determine the need for a first aider, a risk assessment will need to be completed taking the following into consideration: -
- the number of employees
- the type of work
- hazards
- accident history
- the workplace
- shift working, and
- the distance from external medical services.
How many first aiders should be present? The following table sets out the number of first aiders required across various types of workplace. In larger organisations there will be a corresponding requirement to appoint more first aiders:
| Industry/workplace | Number of employees | Requirement for first aider |
| Factories, construction sites, surface mines and quarries | Up to 49 | 1 if risk assessment shows it is necessary. |
| Underground mines | - | 1 for every 10 employees or part thereof. |
| Other workplaces | Up to 99 | 1 if risk assessment shows it is necessary. |
First aider absence If the appointed first aider is absent, the employer must designate an alternative employee to take charge of an injured person until medical assistance has arrived. Emergency services Arrangements should be made for contacting emergency services. The names, addresses and contact numbers of the local emergency services must be clearly displayed in the workplace. It must be clear who will contact the emergency services should the need arise. Clear emergency plans and procedures should be in place and relevant training should be provided to any staff required to implement the emergency procedures. What certification does a first aider require? The QQI OFA level Level 5 certificate in Occupational First Aid and the PHECC first aid response (FAR) certificate are recognised by the HSA. Occupational first aid certification is valid for 2 years after which refresher training is required. What first aid records need to be kept? The names of all occupational first aid trained employees, dates of all first aid training and records of all cases where first aider treatment was required must be maintained. Can a first aider give out painkillers/headache tablets? First aid does not cover the administration of drugs or medications and no such treatments should be kept in the first aid box. Are occupational first aiders trained in the use of Automatic External Defibrillator (AED)? Yes, AED is part of the Cardiac First Response (CFR) Unit of the QQI Level 5 OFA Standard and first aiders are trained in its use. Are employers required to have an AED? No, but it is good practice to have one. Do I have to have a first aid room at my workplace? A risk assessment will determine whether a first aid room is required. The size of the premises, the nature of work activities, hazards and distance from the nearest medical facility will need to be taken into account to confirm whether or not the workplace needs a first aid room. The information provided above is an outline only. To find out more about how health and safety law impacts your business please do call the Peninsula 24-hour advice line at 0818 923 923
