The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1982, No. 429 (as amended)

The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1982 aim to ensure the provision of adequate first aid arrangements in workplaces in Northern Ireland. The regulations are designed to protect the health and safety of employees by requiring employers to establish and maintain effective first aid measures.

The key requirements outlined in the regulations include:

1. Appointed Person: Employers must appoint at least one competent person to take charge of first aid arrangements. This appointed person is responsible for ensuring the availability of first aid equipment and providing immediate assistance in case of injury or illness.

2. First Aid Kits: Employers are required to provide suitable first aid kits or containers that are readily accessible to employees. These kits should be stocked with appropriate supplies and equipment, including dressings, bandages, and other essential items.

3. First Aid Facilities: Employers must provide suitable and sufficient first aid facilities in the workplace. This may include a designated first aid room equipped with appropriate furnishings, lighting, and sanitation facilities.

4. First Aid Training: Employers should ensure that a sufficient number of employees are trained in first aid. The regulations do not specify the exact number of trained individuals required, but it is essential to have enough trained personnel available to cover all shifts and work areas adequately.

5. Assessment of First Aid Needs: Employers must conduct an assessment to determine the first aid needs specific to their workplace. This assessment takes into account the nature of work activities, the number of employees, and the potential risks and hazards present.

The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1982 apply to all workplaces in Northern Ireland, including businesses, organizations, and public institutions. The regulations are applicable across various industries and sectors and aim to ensure that employees receive prompt and appropriate first aid treatment in case of injury or illness.

Compliance with these regulations is essential for employers to fulfill their duty of care towards their employees. By providing adequate first aid arrangements, employers can respond effectively to workplace incidents and potentially minimize the severity of injuries or illnesses. Employers should familiarize themselves with the specific requirements outlined in the regulations and ensure they meet their obligations for the provision of first aid in the workplace.

The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1982 require employers to maintain certain evidence to demonstrate compliance with the regulations and the provision of adequate first aid arrangements. The evidence requirements aim to ensure that employers have implemented appropriate measures and have the necessary resources in place to provide timely and effective first aid. Here are some key evidence requirements outlined in the regulations:

1. First Aid Records: Employers are required to maintain records related to first aid provisions. These records may include details of first aid training, such as the names of trained individuals, the dates of training, and any certifications obtained. It is important to keep these records up to date and readily accessible for review.

2. First Aid Kit Inspection Records: Employers should keep records of regular inspections of first aid kits. These records may include the dates of inspections, the names of individuals conducting the inspections, and any actions taken to replenish or replace items in the kits. These records demonstrate that first aid kits are regularly monitored and maintained.

3. First Aid Equipment Maintenance Records: Employers should maintain records of any maintenance activities performed on first aid equipment, such as defibrillators, eye wash stations, or other specialized devices. These records may include the dates of maintenance, details of the performed maintenance tasks, and the names of individuals responsible for the maintenance. These records show that equipment is regularly serviced and in proper working condition.

4. First Aid Needs Assessment: Employers should keep records of the first aid needs assessment conducted for their workplace. These records may include documentation of the assessment process, identified risks and hazards, and the determination of the required first aid measures. These records demonstrate that a thorough assessment was performed to determine appropriate first aid provisions.

5. Training Attendance Records: Employers should maintain records of employee attendance at first aid training sessions. These records may include employee names, training dates, and details of the training courses attended. These records demonstrate that employees have received the necessary training in first aid.

It is important for employers to retain these records as evidence of compliance with The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1982. These records can be reviewed by regulatory authorities or used for internal audits to ensure that appropriate first aid measures are in place and maintained effectively.