HSE Proposed Changes - Background and Update.
Background:
The Current First Aid in the Workplace provision is based on Regulations over 25 years old. Twenty five years ago the workplace was considerably different, heavy machinery was commonplace and a Health and Safety culture was next to nonexistent. Today accidents still occur but thankfully are rare in frequency and normally less serious in nature. However, we now have an ageing workforce which has its own problems.
In 2002 the HSE started a review of re-matching the needs of industry with first aid provision. After a somewhat of a faulty start the HSE are now moving forward with a range of changes.
Note: The HSE has been consulting with the AoFA to obtain guidance and feedback from members.
Prerequisite:
First of all we need to remember that the HSE has a remit to the employer and employee for aid provision in the workplace. Surprisingly, it has no legal responsibility to the training industry itself, except in setting adequate training standards. Further, the HSE has very limited resources and the approval and monitoring of first aid training providers (FAAMS) is an odd-ball within the HSE repertoire and one which the HSE would be pleased to drop. This would also fall in-line with the Government drive to reduce costs, however the HSE will retain the responsibility of setting standards as this is part of their legal remit. - I'm sure we will hear more on this in the future.
Finally, any changes must have the support of the employers so changes tend to compromise by giving in certain areas and taking back in others.
Although a considerable number of changes are proposed, only the main changes are listed here.
Changes - Training Courses:
1) The commonly known Appointed Person one day course (currently unregulated) is to come under the control of the HSE. It will be called Emergency First Aid At Work (EFAW). The HSE recommends a yearly refresher course (3 hrs) and a repeat of the full EFAW course every three years (6 hrs - mandatory). Trainees completing the EFAW course will be considered as first aiders.
2) The current 4 day First Aid at Work course (FAW) will be reduced to three days (18hrs). The HSE likewise recommends a yearly refresher (3 hrs) plus a two day (12 hr) requalification course every three years (mandatory).
3) The requirement for an Appointed Person remains. However, it is unlikely that any training will be required except for basic instruction in calling the emergency services and keeping the FA Kit stocked etc.
Changes - Training Providers.
HSE approved training providers will automatically be approved to run the EFAW 1 day course and the FAW course.
Non HSE approved training providers wishing to run the EFAW course have two/three options:
1) To become HSE approved and also run a minimum of 6 FAW courses per year (although this latter requirement is under review).
2) Use a QCA Awarding Body, become approved by them and run their EFAW course. An initial approval payment and a payment per certificate will be charged by the Awarding Body.
3) To come under the control of an existing HSE approved training provider as a 'franchisee'.
Note:
-
The AoFA are HSE approved and will be providing a HSE 'Umbrella' service for AoFA members not wishing to use QCA awarding bodies or in obtaining their own HSE approval.
-
The AoFA are also seeking QCA approval to become an Awarding Body - further information to follow.
Other Changes - Training Providers.
-
The current requirement for 2 assessors for all FAW courses will be reduced to one assessor for courses of 6 or less trainees.
-
In-house occupational health professionals can provide annual refresher training.
-
HPC registered Paramedics will be exempt from requiring a FAW qualification to carry out training and assessing. They still require experience / qualifications in FA training and assessing.
Guidance to the Approved Code of Practice. - Changes
-
The HSE are issuing further guidance as to the requirements for first aid provision in the workplace.
-
The above training changes result in two levels of first aider, this in turn will enable a closer match of first aid provision to the needs of the workplace. Although the HSE has produced draft guidance, on this matching process, this is likely to change and hence is excluded from this bulletin. Further information to follow.
Implementation Date.
The HSE has recently announced an implementation date of October 2009. However, minor changes are likely to be introduced later this year.
HSE Consultation Documents for download and reference.
Regards
AoFA Team
