Employers now required to take account of employee’s mental health in their annual First Aid needs assessment
In a monumental move, The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have made a significant update to their Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 concerning mental health in the workplace.
The update places new emphasis on employers’ duties to take account of employees’ mental health in their annual first aid needs assessment and the importance of having first aiders trained in mental health and wellbeing, rather than just physical health.
The Needs Assessment Guidance has the following provision at point 6:
“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, and can act promptly, safely, and effectively until that help is available”.[1]
Then further, at point 8:
“How much first-aid provision an employer has to make depends on the hazards and risks of each workplace. These can be both physical and related to mental health.” [2]
Introduced in 1981 The Health and Safety (First Aid) regulations stipulated the need for employers to meet legal obligations, providing suitable training, equipment, and facilities for their employees. It became mandatory to have first aid provision in the workplace, although since 01st October 2013, the provisions allow businesses more flexibility to manage their own first aid training needs.
Steps employers should take include:
· Conducting annual first-aid assessments of the workplace
· Providing regular first-aid training to employees
· Providing first-aid facilities, equipment, and personnel so that employers can take immediate medical action for anyone injured or taken ill in the workplace
Employers must also remain aware of any developments in training and equipment available to deliver effective first aid, such as:
· The introduction of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in certain workplaces
· Advancement in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques
· Potential changes to the British Standard for Workplace First Aid Kits: BS8599-1
· Keeping up with advances in first aid technology and techniques
· Providing mental health first aid by having a trained and certified staff member
By staying informed about Health and Safety changes and practices, employers can ensure that their first-aid provisions meet the needs of their staff and that they remain compliant with legislation.
At Rico HR we provide companies with regular support and advice to help write their health and safety at work policies, ensuring our clients stay aware of their legal duties.
If you would like more information about this or other HR matters, then please contact us.
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