First aid at work new regulations and a code of practice Available to Purchase

It has long been the law that in factories, on farms and in offices and shops, first‐aid treatment must be made available to employees. About four Acts of Parliament are involved and about forty bits of subordinate legislation going back to the turn of the century — and all of them specifying in some detail precisely what the employer had to provide in the way of equipment, facilities and trained first‐aiders in ratio to staff numbers. All that is being changed and importantly so for those employed in workplaces not previously covered by requirements (that is, those in education, in cultural and religious organisations and in medical and other services). Some new Regulations and a Code of Practice (together with guidance notes) will apply from 1st July next. Pursuing a long term objective the Health and Safety Commission is bringing under the health and safety umbrella ALL places of employment (save only domestic service) and at the same time somewhat simplifying the legal requirements which exist. Other requirements are, however, made more commonsense and can be enforced indirectly if that becomes necessary.