Regulations

 

Employers, employees, appointed persons and First Aiders in the work-place should be familiar with the following health and safety legislation:

 

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

 

All workers need to understand and comply with this act to ensure the health, safety and welfare of themselves and their colleagues.  The act also specifies that employees must be adequately trained in health, safety and welfare.

 

Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981

 

This sets out the essential aspects of first aid that employers have to address.  It outlines the responsibilities of employers, First Aiders and Appointed Persons to organize and provide adequate first aid provision.  It also dictates that all employees are aware of the provision available and how an employer assesses their organizational needs.

 

The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR) 

 

This regulation indicates that employers must report to the appropriate authority any serious accidents at work (which include any resulting in more than three days’ absence from work), dangerous occurrences and specified occupational disease.

 

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1999 (COSHH)

 

COSHH relates employers’ responsibility for assessing hazardous substance risks and deciding on mitigating actions.  All employees must follow both an organisation’s safety guidelines and employer specified precautions.

 

The Social Security Administration Act 1992

 

This act relates to an organisation’s reporting system and employee obligation to supply information if involved in an incident.  The First Aider usually records accident information, but anyone may do so.  All accidents involving an injury on the organisation’s premises must be recorded.