First Aid at Work Who Should Read This Policy Target Audience All Trust Staffs Version 1.1 October 2018
Ref. Contents Page 1.0 Introduction 4 2.0 Purpose 4 3.0 Objectives 4 4.0 Process 4 5.0 Procedures connected to this Policy 7 6.0 Links to Relevant Legislation 7 6.1 Links to Relevant National Standards 7 6.2 Links to other Key Policies 7 6.3 eferences 7 7.0 Roles and Responsibilities for this Policy 8 8.0 Training 9 9.0 Equality Impact Assessment 10 10.0 Data Protection and Freedom of Information 11 11.0 Monitoring this Policy is working in Practice 12 Version 1.1. October 2018 2
Explanation of terms used in this policy First Aid - First aid is treatment for purposes of preserving life and minimizing the consequence of injury until medical help is obtained. First aid can also be defined as treatment of minor injuries which would otherwise receive no treatment or which do not need treatment by a medical practitioner or nurse. Nominated First Aider - A person who holds a current first aid certificate from an organisation approved by the HSE, including qualification as a Registered General Nurse. Appointed Person - A person who will provide emergency first aid until the trained first aider arrives. For the Trust s purposes, all registered nurses and doctors can be considered appointed persons. Version 1.1. October 2018 3
1.0 Introduction The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 requires that the Black Country Partnership NHS Foundation Trust needs to comply with current legislation. 2.0 Purpose Black Country Partnership NHS Foundation Trust recognises that its employees can suffer injuries or fall ill whilst at work. Therefore, emphasis is on providing immediate attention to prevent injuries/situations deteriorating. Whilst there is no legal duty to provide first aid for visitors/service users, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) strongly recommend that they are considered and included where they can be reasonably achievable. 3.0 Objectives The objectives of this policy are: To provide sufficient equipment to be made available at all times. To ensure adequate numbers of staff are appropriately trained. To have procedures in place to ensure that appropriately trained staffs are available to respond to staffs who have been injured or become unwell whilst at work and require first aid intervention. 4.0 Process 4.1 Training Provision The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have revised the way in which first aid training is to be provided. In line with these changes first aid training will be provided as below. Initial Training 3 Day Approved First Aid at Work Training. Emergency First Aid Training. Requalification 3 day Course Attend 2 day requalification training 3 years following initial training. Requalification training must be completed within 28 days of expiry of previous certificate If it is more than 28 days after expiry date on certificate then first aider will be required to complete full 3 day course. Emergency First Aid Attend the 1 day course every 3 years Requalification training must be completed within 28 days of expiry of previous certificate It is recommended that all First Aiders attend a 3 hour course every year to refresh their training. All first aid training is in addition to mandatory resuscitation training. 4.2 First Aid Personnel First Aiders are qualified personnel who have received training and passed an assessment in accordance with the Health & Safety Executive s requirements. First Version 1.1. October 2018 4
Aid personnel will be provided with retraining at regular intervals in order to ensure that their skills are maintained. The Trust will ensure that there are sufficient First Aid personnel within the workplace by carrying out and revising a corporate first aid risk assessment. Notices will be displayed in a prominent position in all workplaces giving the location of the First Aid equipment and the name and location of personnel concerned. 4.3 Qualified Healthcare Professionals The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 recognizes the training and experience of qualified medical doctors registered with the General Medical Council and Registered General Nurses, however it is well documented that first aid training no longer forms part of pre-registration nurse training, it should not be assumed that all healthcare professional would be confident and competent to deal with first aid situations. Medical Doctors and Registered General Nurses are bound by their professional code of conduct and as such recognize their own limitations, where such professionals have concerns regarding their ability to provide emergency first aid at work in line with legislative and professional obligations this should be discussed with Line Manager in the first instance. Where a skill gap is identified the professional will be encouraged to attend a first aid training course. 4.4 Legal Indemnity of First Aiders It is unlikely that First Aid personnel rendering assistance to a colleague will become subject to legal action because of the deterioration in the colleagues condition. However the Trust has guarded against this possibility by providing through its insurance policies indemnification for any member of staff who assists an employee who becomes ill or is injured at work either on or off its premises. 4.5 Safe System of Work The following arrangements should be followed in order to ensure that suitable and sufficient provision of First Aid personnel and equipment is available in the workplace. First Aid personnel must inform their line manager and book themselves on to update training when their training certification period is near its expiry. Management must ensure that employees are familiar with the identity and location of their nearest First Aider and First Aid box. The name and location of First Aid personnel and equipment must be detailed on the First Aid Sign and display in a prominent place i.e. notice board. Ensure that information displayed is updated to reflect any changes in location or changes in appointed personnel which may take place. The contents of each First Aid box/kit must be checked monthly and after use to establish that supplies are sufficient to meet requirements these checks should include checking expiry dates. Version 1.1. October 2018 5
Replacement supplies should be ordered immediately after the equipment has been used or when it becomes out-of-date. Ensure that there is easy access to First Aid equipment at all times. If a First Aider is required they must always summon professional medical assistance where necessary. Ensure that details of all accidents are reported and entered into the Trust DATIX Incident reporting system. Advice on the First Aid Regulation is available from the Health and Safety Advisor. 4.6 Equipment Provision The Safe Systems of Work is reliant upon the provision of First Aid equipment, this will consist of either: First Aid Box Only specified First Aid supplies will be kept. No creams, lotions or drugs, however seemingly mild will be kept in these boxes Stock Item Minimum Requirements Guidance Card Individually Wrapped Self Adhesive Plasters in assorted sizes Blue Plasters Sterile Eye Pads (with tape) Triangular Bandages Sterile Un medicated Wound Dressings: Medium (12 x12cm) Large (18 x 18cm) Adhesive Tape Nitrile Gloves (latex free) Safety pins Apron Scissors Vent assist Alcohol free wipes Foil blanket Quantity 1 20 10 2 2 2 2 2 rolls 4 pairs 10 2 1 1 10 1 First Aid boxes and contents must be checked by Departmental Managers and/or first aiders. A signatory sheet must be completed. The location of First Aid boxes and the name of the person responsible for their upkeep will be clearly displayed in a prominent position i.e. Health & Safety notice boards throughout the workplace. 4.6.1 Portable First Aid Kit Portable First Aid kits are available for those members of staff who are required to work away from the normal workplace where access to facilities may be restricted: Version 1.1. October 2018 6
Staff who regularly work away from base. Staff travelling in vehicles on a regular basis Staff working with potentially dangerous tools and machinery away from base location. Therefore, staff groups may include Estates Maintenance, Security, and Transport etc. This kit consists of a reduced supply of items. First Aid boxes and portable kits are to be checked at monthly intervals if unused otherwise at more frequent intervals after every episode of use by the First Aider, these checks should include checking expiry dates. 4.7 Record Keeping All accidents and events when First Aid has been provided must be recorded on the DATIX Incident Reporting system, access is available via any PC at all locations across the Trust. Managers should check that details are up to date within their area of responsibility.this is a legislative requirement. 5.0 Procedures connected to this Policy There are no standard operating procedures linked to this policy. 6.0 Links to Relevant Legislation Health and Safety at Work.Act 1974 Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (Amended) 1999. Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 2002. The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981.. 6.1 Links to Relevant National Standards Care Quality Commission(CQC) NHS Resolution (NHS R (formally Litigation Authority (NHSLA) National Institute for Health & Clinical Excellence (NICE) 6.2 Links to other Key Policies Health and Safety Policy Incident Reporting Policy Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Policy Oxygen Policy 6.3 References Health and Safety Commission (1997) the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981. Health and Safety Executive (2009) First-aid training and qualifications for the purposes of the health and safety (first aid) Regulations 1981. Version 1.1. October 2018 7
7.0 Roles and Responsibilities for this Policy Title Role Key Responsibilities Chief Executive Executive Director of Nursing, AHPS, Quality and Psychology Accountable - Accountable for ensuring the implementation of first aid requirements in line with The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 within all premises owned or occupied by Black Country Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Executive Lead - Responsible to the Chief Executive for the organisation of first aid in all premises owned/managed by Black Country Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Trust Board Strategic - Strategic overview and final responsibility for setting the direction for the implementation all aspects of health and safety including first aid provision within the Trust Quality and Safety Committee Accountable - A sub-committee of the Trust Board has in turn delegated responsibility for ensuring all aspects of health and safety including provision of First Aid is undertaken efficiently and effectively in accordance with the Board s Assurance Framework - Ensure strategic priorities to the Health and Safety Committee - Agree a programme of funding for First Aid Training needs Health and Safety Committee Health and Safety Team Heads of Service/Service Managers Departmental/Line Managers Responsible - Ensuring all aspects of health and safety including the provision of First Aid is undertaken efficiently and effectively in accordance with the Board s Assurance Framework and strategic priorities - Provide exception and progress reports to the Quality and Safety Committee Co-ordination - Co-ordinating the implementation of a systematic and consistent approach to all aspects of health and safety including the provision of First Aid - Provide exception and progress reports to the Health and Safety Committee - Audit first aid training provider - Evaluate effectiveness of training - Assist with risk assessments for First Aid - Carry out spot check on first aid equipment Implementation - Establish the requirement of First Aiders within their areas of responsibility - Ensure that they are aware of the details within the corporate risk assessment for their department/area of responsibility detailing current first aid arrangements and advise the Health and Safety Advisor regarding any changes to assessment details - Ensure that all First Aiders are aware of their roles and responsibilities and these are monitored - Ensure adequate time is given to first aiders to attend appropriate training Implementation - To ensure that first aid equipment and signage are maintained/replenished as required - Ensure that all First Aiders within department receive approved training and attend update training - Liaise with Learning and Development Department to book training places for staff nominated to undertake the First Version 1.1. October 2018 8
Learning and Development Team Aider role or existing First Aiders to update and refresh first aid skills - To ensure that they are aware of the details within the corporate risk assessment for their department/area of responsibility detailing current first aid arrangements and advise the Health and Safety Advisor regarding any changes to assessment details Co-ordination - Coordinate and make available a program of first aid training for nominated first aiders - Provide figures of trained staff to health and safety board First Aiders Adherence - Receive and pass approved First Aid training as provided by their employer - Prior to training expiry the First Aiders book themselves on to an update session - Check the location and contents of First Aid boxes within their area of responsibility on a monthly basis using an audit tool kept within the first aid box - Obtain supplies to replenish the First Aid box within their area of responsibility from Stores. First Aid boxes will be kept in areas accessible by all staff as deemed appropriate by ward/departmental managers - Provide First Aid as/when required and within their agreed level of competency - Ensure that details of all accidents are reported and entered into the Trust DATIX Incident reporting system All Staff Adherence - Ensure that they are familiar with the name and location of First Aider within their department - Not to interfere with anything provided for the safe undertaking of First Aid - Be aware of the procedure for requesting First Aid attention within their work area 8.0 Training What aspect(s) of this policy will require staff training? Initial Training - 3 Day Approved First Aid at Work Training Which staff groups require this training? Staff identified as first aiders Is this training covered in the Trust s Mandatory and Risk Management Training Needs Analysis document? No, staff will receive specific training in relation to this policy where it is identified in their individual training needs analysis as part of their development for their particular role and responsibilities If no, how will the training be delivered? Face to face 3 days Who will deliver the training? External approved First Aid at Work Provider How often will staff require training One off as and when required Who will ensure and monitor that staff have this training? Line Managers / Health and Safety Team Version 1.1. October 2018 9
What aspect(s) of this policy will require staff training? Requalification - Resuscitation Training Which staff groups require this training? Staff identified as first aiders Is this training covered in the Trust s Mandatory and Risk Management Training Needs Analysis document? No, staff will receive specific training in relation to this policy where it is identified in their individual training needs analysis as part of their development for their particular role and responsibilities All Trust Staff Yes - Resuscitation - Level 1 - Adult Awareness If no, how will the training be delivered? Face to face 2 days n/a Who will deliver the training? External First Aid at Work Provider Available electronically E- Learning How often will staff require training 3 years following initial training (Requalification training must be completed within 28 days of expiry of previous certificate. If it is more than 28 days after expiry date on certificate then first aider will be required to complete full 3 day course) On induction and yearly thereafter via E-Learning Who will ensure and monitor that staff have this training? Line Managers/Health and Safety Team Learning and Development Team 9.0 Equality Impact Assessment Black Country Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is committed to ensuring that the way we provide services and the way we recruit and treat staff reflects individual needs, promotes equality and does not discriminate unfairly against any particular individual or group. The Equality Impact Assessment for this policy has been completed and is readily available on the Intranet. If you require this in a different format e.g. larger print, Braille, different languages or audio tape, please contact the Equality & Diversity Team on Ext. 8067 or email bcpft.equalityimpactassessment@nhs.net Version 1.1. October 2018 10
10.0 Data Protection and Freedom of Information Data Protection Act provides controls for the way information is handled and to gives legal rights to individuals in relation to the use of their data. It sets out strict rules for people who use or store data about individuals and gives rights to those people whose data has been collected. The law applies to all personal data held including electronic and manual records. The Information Commissioner s Office has powers to enforce the Data Protection Act and can do this through the use of compulsory audits, warrants, notices and monetary penalties which can be up to 20million or 4% of the Trusts annual turnover for serious breaches of the Data Protection Act. In addition to this the Information Commissioner can limit or stop data processing activities where there has been a serious breach of the Act and there remains a risk to the data. The Freedom of Information Act provides public access to information held by public authorities. The main principle behind freedom of information legislation is that people have a right to know about the activities of public authorities; unless there is a good reason for them not to. The Freedom of Information Act applies to corporate data and personal data generally cannot be released under this Act. All staffs have a responsibility to ensure that they do not disclose information about the Trust s activities; this includes information about service users in its care, staff members and corporate documentation to unauthorised individuals. This responsibility applies whether you are currently employed or after your employment ends and in certain aspects of your personal life e.g. use of social networking sites etc. The Trust seeks to ensure a high level of transparency in all its business activities but reserves the right not to disclose information where relevant legislation applies. The Information Governance Team provides a central point for release of information under Data Protection and Freedom of Information following formal requests for information; any queries about the disclosure of information can be forwarded to the Information Governance Team. Version 1.1. October 2018 11
11.0 Monitoring this Policy is working in Practice What key elements will be monitored? (measurable policy objectives) Where described in policy? How will they be monitored? (method + sample size) Who will undertake this monitoring? How Frequently? Group/Committee that will receive and review results Group/Committee to ensure actions are completed Evidence this has happened Service managers, team leaders, senior staff and persons in charge are responsible for ensuring all staffs are made aware of this policy and its contents. The Health and Safety Committee receives a report on all non-patient accidents/ incidents (DATIX) in order to monitor the management of risks presented and advise, where relevant, on organisational planning to manage the risks identified. 4.0 Process Audits and Incident Reporting An annual corporate First Aid provision audit is to be completed by the Health and Safety Team. Exception Audit reports are submitted to Health and Safety Board and copied in to Divisional risk group meetings. Annually Health & Safety Committee Health & Safety Committee First Aider Training attendance sheets (Learning and Development Dept.) DATIX incident reports. Annual Corporate first aid provision risk assessment. Audit of First Aid box provision and contents check. Version 1.1. October 2018 12
Policy Details Title of Policy Unique Identifier for this policy State if policy is New or Revised First Aid at Work Policy BCPFT-HS-POL-15 Revised Previous Policy Title where applicable Policy Category Clinical, HR, H&S, Infection Control etc. Executive Director whose portfolio this policy comes under Policy Lead/Author Job titles only Committee/Group responsible for the approval of this policy Month/year consultation process completed * n/a Health and Safety Executive Director of Nursing, AHPS, Quality and Psychology Health and Safety Advisor Health & Safety Committee n/a Month/year policy approved November 2018 Month/year policy ratified and issued November 2018 Next review date October 2021 Implementation Plan completed * Equality Impact Assessment completed * Previous version(s) archived * Yes Yes Yes Disclosure status Key Words for this policy B can be disclosed to patients and the public Health and Safety, accident, Process for the Provision of First Aid at Work, Nominated First Aider, Appointed Person, First Aid Box, Portable First Aid Kit, * For more information on the consultation process, implementation plan, equality impact assessment, or archiving arrangements, please contact Corporate Governance Review and Amendment History Version Date 1.1 Oct 2018 Details of Change Change of name from NHSLA to NHS R. No further changes made. 1.0 Mar 2014 New Policy for BCPFT Version 1.1. October 2018 13