While everyone should have basic knowledge of how to provide first aid in case of an emergency, the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to carry out a risk assessment and identify all their needs in terms of first-aid equipment and facilities.
Plus, employers of any size (even self-employed ones) must ensure all employees have adequate and appropriate access to medical care and attention if they are ill or get injured while at work.
This usually means the employer will have to select a capable and reliable first aid training provider that can offer assistance in making sure the organisation is up-to-date with the health and safety regulations. The same provider must offer training sessions for all employees, during which they will offer guidance and demonstrations on how to behave in case of an emergency or injury in the workplace.
Organisations and businesses have the freedom to choose the trainer they want. But you can’t choose just any trainer without making sure they are appropriate and competent. And this is where we can help by offering a short guideline on how to choose the best trainer for your needs.
Choose a local trainer
While it may be tempting to choose the best First Aid Certification training provider in the country, it is best to collaborate with a local trainer that comes highly recommended by other organisations.
This aspect is important because their specialists will have to visit your headquarters and inspect the premises. Also, they have to be on-site to train the employees and make sure everyone knows what they have to do.
Luckily, it’s rather easy to find reliable providers in most parts of the country. For instance, if your business is in the Glasgow area, all you need is a curated list of first aid courses Glasgow has to offer.
Check for qualifications
When you choose a training provider, before signing a contract, ask to see if the trainers and assessors have current first aid at work certificates.
Also, check if they have a documented annual plan to refresh their knowledge and delivery. If they do, it means everyone is up to date with the latest changes in the law and practices.
The company should also have a well-designed internal system, in accordance with HSE guidelines, that periodically assesses the qualification of its trainers. This way, you know these professionals’ skills are in pique conditions and may even exceed the norm.
Does the course fit your needs?
Each organisation’s needs are different, which is why first aid training providers have to constantly adapt the content of their courses. However, they must also make sure the content stays within the HSE guidelines.
So, before making any decisions, ask them if they can adapt the course content to fit your needs. If they can’t you should receive a logical explanation as to why and maybe even a course of action to adjust your needs accordingly.
Check the type of certificates issued
Each first aid training course provider must issue a certificate to each of their students. These must contain the name of the training organization, the date when it was issued, the validity period (three years), the title of the qualification, and a reference to the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981.
If any of these elements are missing, the certificate may not be valid.
Wrap up
Small employers usually get a bit confused and overwhelmed by these regulations, but once you find a reliable provider, everything clears up. The right professionals can also help find the right first aid equipment and provide guidance in how to use it and store it safely. This is why it’s crucial to find a provider that’s fit for your organization’s needs.
Robert Haynes did his degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. He is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
