Frequently Asked Questions
How many first aiders do I need?
The findings of your first aid needs assessment will help you decide how many first aiders are required. There are no hard and fast rules on exact numbers and you will need to take into account all the relevant circumstances of your particular workplace.
Some useful things to consider when deciding on the number of delegates to train are :-
The HSE guidelines on leave and absence state it is essential that provision is made at all times at work. Employers need to ensure adequate provision for annual leave and other planned absences of their first aid personnel. Employers should also consider what cover is needed for unplanned and exceptional absences such as sick leave or special leave, due to bereavement.
All first aid training certificates are issued to the individual, so at Save lives at work we would recommend that you train as many staff as you can spare on the day of the training. In our opinion, not only will your premises be a safer place to work, it will help the company future proof it's requirements over the next three years should any of your first aiders leave or be absent, planned or otherwise, from the company.
You can view the full guidelines on the health and safety executive website or click here for the HSE first aid at work your questions answered PDF.
What course do I need to take?
Again the findings of your first aid needs assessment will help you decide what course is required. You will need to take into account all the relevant circumstances of your particular workplace and then apply the current guidelines.
You can view the full guidelines on the health and safety executive website or click here for the HSE first aid at work your questions answered PDF.
I can’t release my staff for three consecutive days, can courses be split over a longer period.
Yes the course can be split into 3 individual days so for example one day a week over three weeks.
Can you arrange courses to be run at weekends?
Yes no problem, at Save Lives at work we are here to help your business run as smoothly as possible and if that means arranging a trainer to come to you over the weekend then that’s what we will endeavour to do.
Can I be prosecuted if I don’t have a first aider?
According to the HSE website, the HSE may prosecute in cases where there is a significant risk, a disregard for established standards or persistent poor compliance with the law. More information can be found in 'HSE's Enforcement Policy Statement' [134KB].
What are my legal Obligations?
The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to ensure their employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work. These Regulations apply to all workplaces including those with less than five employees and to the self-employed. Detailed information can be found in First aid at work. The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981. Approved Code of Practice and guidance.
What is ‘adequate and appropriate’ will depend on the circumstances in the workplace. This includes whether trained first aiders are needed, what should be included in a first aid box and if a first aid room is required. Employers should carry out an assessment of first aid needs to determine what to provide.
The Regulations do not place a legal duty on employers to make first aid provision for non-employees such as the public or children in schools. However, HSE strongly recommends that non-employees are included in an assessment of first aid needs and that provision is made for them.
How many hours do the courses take?
We would recommend allocating a full working day for the emergency first aid at work however the course will be a minimum of 6 hours.
We would recommend allocating a full three days for the first aid at work course, however the minimum training time will be 18 hours.
How long is my certificate valid for?
First aid at work and emergency first aid at work certificates are valid for three years, however annual refresher courses are highly recommended.
Lost or replacement certificates?
If your certificate has been lost, damaged or kept by your previous employer please contact us on 0800 0149 629 or email us at mail@savelivesatwork.co.uk with your full name, company name, date of course and the subject - replacement certificate.
There may be a small charge for a replacement certificate.
What are the onsite venue requirements?
The space must be clean and tidy with enough space for the number of delegates booked, to sit comfortably along with space for the trainer and the training equipment. Usually the trainer needs a space the size of a normal desk for their equipment.