Guidance for employers on changes to HSE approved First Aid training

From 1 October 2009 the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have made changes to the requirements for First Aid training in the workplace. Employers need to be aware of these changes to ensure that they continue to comply with Health & Safety Regulations by providing the proper level of First Aid cover in the workplace.

A short summary of the changes is as follows:

1. The First Aid at Work (FAW) course now takes place over three days (this is reduced from four)
2. A three-hour Basic Skills Update course is available to qualified First Aiders to prevent 'skills fade' during the 3 year lifespan of their FAW certificate
3. A one-day, HSE approved Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course is available where the employer's risk assessment indicates that a First Aider is not required

Requirements for requalification are unchanged - FAW certificates remain valid for three years and a two-day Requalification course can be taken before the expiry date in order to renew the certificate for a further three years.

Full details of the changes and the reasons behind them can be found on the HSE website (opens in a new window)

Frequently Asked Questions

Are my employees' current certificates still valid?
Has the content of the FAW course changed?
Do my employees need to go on an annual refresher course?
How do I know which course my employees should take?

Are my employees' current certificates still valid?
Yes. All certificates issued by us remain valid up to their expiry date. The Associate Membership Insurance will also continue to provide cover against any claims arising from First Aid delivered outside of the certificate-holder's workplace responsibilities.

Has the content of the FAW course changed?
The course content remain largely the same, however changes to the teaching format and simplified first aid protocols have meant that the course can be covered in less time.

Do my employees need to take the annual refresher course?
The annual refresher is not mandatory, however St Andrew’s wholeheartedly supports the HSE's strong recommendation that First Aiders undertake refresher training on a yearly basis. We believe that this is the best way to ensure that employees maintain the skills required to fulfill their responsibilities as First Aiders in the workplace.

How do I know which course my employees should take?
You can determine your requirement  for First Aid training by carrying out a needs assessment which includes factors such as the nature of the work, the number of employees etc.