22 Feb 2013
New draft guidance has been published to help employers with proposed changes to first aid in the workplace.
Issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the guidance consists of two documents that aim to provide practical support to help businesses evaluate and understand their first aid needs as well as find a provider that is best suited to them.
The publication follows consultation on proposals to alter First Aid Regulations (1981) and get rid of the requirement for the HSE to approve first aid training providers.
Expected to come into force in October, the changes are subject to final approval by the HSE board and ministers.
Peter Brown, HSE policy advisor, said that the removal of the HSE approval process will give businesses more flexibility when it comes to choosing their own training providers.
He added the move will also help them to select first aid training that is right for their workplace, catering to their own assessments and individual needs.
Businesses looking for assistance with the proposed changes can access the guidance on the HSE website.
Copyright Press Association 2013