13/02/2024
Latest updates from HSE.
The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) have just launched updated versions of the following documents:
L74 – Guidance on The Health & Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981
GEIS 3 – Selecting a First Aid Training Provider – A Guide for Employers
We have provided an overview of changes below:
L74 – GUIDANCE ON THE HEALTH & SAFETY (FIRST AID) REGULATIONS 1981
MENTAL ILL HEALTH
One of the major changes is the emphasis that the HSE now place on employers to consider employee’s mental health in their first aid needs assessment.
The HSE state:
It may also be helpful to have people trained to identify and understand mental ill health symptoms who are able to support someone who is experiencing a mental health issue. You may decide that someone with an FAW or EFAW qualification is already able to provide initial support and reassurance to a worker experiencing an acute mental health episode, but you should consider if any further training is required. You should be satisfied that they:
Know how to access professional help if necessary
Can act promptly, safely and effectively until that help is available.
Minerva Medical Training offer a comprehensive suite of first aid for mental health qualifications that meet this requirement and compliment physical first aid training.
We currently offer four first aid for mental health qualifications which are suitable for employees at all levels of an organisation:
FAA Level 1 Award in Awareness of First Aid for Mental Health (Level 4 in Scotland)
FAA Level 2 Award in First Aid for Mental Health (Level 5 in Scotland)
FAA Level 3 Award in Supervising First Aid for Mental Health (FAA Award in Leading First Aid for Mental Health at SCQF Level 6)
FAA Level 2 Award in First Aid for Youth Mental Health (Level 5 in Scotland)
If you are not currently qualified, then why not attend our First Aid for Mental Health Instructor course?
LIFE-THREATENING BLEEDING REPLACING CATASTROPHIC BLEEDING
The HSE are now referring to catastrophic bleeding as ‘life-changing bleeding’ and have added guidance for employers on what is required if they identify this as a risk within their workplace.
The HSE state that haemostatic dressings, tourniquets and wound packing materials (sterile gauze) may be required in addition to the standard first aid kit within a workplace.
They go on to state that training in the application of these products may be necessary in sectors such as agriculture, forestry and construction, and working locations in remote areas. They also state that employers of people working in hospitality, events, or other relevant sectors should consider additional training to prepare for injuries to colleagues or the public resulting from terrorist acts or other violent incidents.
Trainer/assessors must themselves be trained in the application of these products before delivery to learners. Minerva Medical Training trainers have extensive knowledge and understanding of these products, we have used them 'in anger' as the saying goes. Minerva Medical Training can deliver to you bespoke a catastrophic bleeding workshop (contact for details) available to meet this requirement. The emphasis is on 'prepare, not scare'.
GEIS 3 – SELECTING A FIRST AID TRAINING PROVIDER – A GUIDE FOR EMPLOYERS
Changes to this document are minimal and it has been simplified to make it easier for employers to understand.
Employer's should make themselves aware of this document as it states what they should look at when selecting a first aid training provider.
Paragraph 11 of the document states that regulated qualifications are a suitable choice for employers. Training with Minerva Medical Training and following requirements for the delivery and assessment of said qualifications will ensure that you meet all aspects of the due diligence required and can reassure yourself that by choosing Minerva Medical Training you will be meeting your responsibilities within this document.
