How often do you review your company’s first aid policies? Regularly updating these policies is vital to ensure they remain effective and compliant with current legislation, industry standards and workplace changes. Neglecting this task leads to outdated practices, increased risks and ineffective responses to incidents that arise.
Employers are advised to check their first aid policy on an annual basis to ensure it remains as effective as possible. Many factors necessitate a review – so read on to discover exactly when you should make updating your first aid policy a top priority…
- Legislative Updates and Industry Changes
Often, there are changes in legislation, codes of practice, and industry standards that need to be considered and incorporated into your policies. For example, the inclusion of mental health first aid as an assessment requirement is a recent development that many employers have failed to adhere to, and – perhaps, are not even aware of in the first place. These changes put the onus on business owners to adjust their first aid policies accordingly.
- Workplace Structure and Organisational Changes
Business growth, new staff, the adoption of new technology, or the introduction of new processes can all impact the first aid risk assessment, necessitating policy review. Such changes affect the hazards and risks associated with the business, which – in turn, influences first aid requirements for your business.
- Identifying New Hazards and Training Needs
When new hazards and risks are identified, employees and first aiders may require additional or specialist training. Regular policy reviews help ensure all training needs are identified, addressed, and accomplished promptly.
- Responding to Incidents and Accidents
Incidents can reveal unidentified risks or issues with new equipment and procedures, prompting a review of your first aid policy and provision. Addressing these promptly can help prevent future occurrences of the same incident, improving the overall safety of your team and demonstrating that you’re an employer who prioritises the wellbeing of your employees.
- Keeping Information and Records Updated
The organisation’s nominated first aiders may leave the business or move to other departments. In these circumstances, individuals are often not replaced promptly. Outdated first aid posters and notices can also lead to delays in emergency response. Ensuring these details are accurate and up to date is vital for effective first aid management.
Navigating Updates to First Aid Policies
Consulting with staff and gathering feedback about their experiences, concerns, and suggestions for improvement is an excellent way to gauge the effectiveness of your current policy. Staff should be familiar with their first aiders, the location of first aid notices, and the first aid box. Encouraging first aiders to share their experiences can provide valuable insights.
A first aid policy is only effective if it is communicated to staff, and they read and understand it. By doing so, they will know who their qualified first aiders are and where the first aid box is located, enabling them to respond effectively to incidents.
Employers are advised to contact the Health & Safety Advice Line Team to discuss their first aid requirements and learn more about their other statutory health and safety obligations. For further guidance, please contact the service for FREE on 01455 852 028.
