First aid at work: how to organise first aid?
An accident at work usually happens unexpectedly. Nonetheless, you can prepare for it. A clear first aid policy ensures that injured employees receive the right assistance quickly. Find out how our experts can support you.
Go to: Develop a first aid policy
What is first aid in the workplace?
First aid comprises all the immediate assistance that you provide to a person who is injured or becomes unwell. In the workplace, this means reacting quickly to treat injuries or prevent them from getting worse, e.g., in the event of a fall, a cut or sudden fainting.
With a well-thought-through first aid policy, you can make a difference: you limit the impact of health incidents at work and increase your employees' health & safety.
Is first aid in the workplace a legal duty?
The Codex on Wellbeing at Work obliges every employer to provide first aid at work. By designating one or more first responders, for example. With which regulations must you comply? This depends on the nature, industry and size of your organisation. Find out more at employment.belgium.be.
How to draw up a first aid policy?
Four steps to a well-thought-through first aid policy:
- risk assessment – Map out your risks and identify which injuries and illnesses may occur within your organisation. IDEWE can help you.
- preventive measures – Develop procedures, provide well-equipped first aid kits and designate first responders among your employees.
- training – Have the designated employees follow a recognised training course to become first responders and provide for annual retraining. IDEWE offers the required training courses.
- evaluation – Evaluate your policy regularly and make adjustments where necessary.
IDEWE helps you to define the right approach for your organisation.
What do you need to put in a first aid kit?
As an organisation, it is vital that you have the right first aid supplies in-house. This includes a few essentials, such as disinfectants, plasters, bandages, etc.
What else you need depends on your working environment. E.g., is there a lot of dust in your building or on your construction site? In that case, you will need an eye wash kit. Do you work in the food industry? We recommend using plasters in a bright colour in that case.
Not sure if your first aid kit is complete? Download our handy checklist from your My IDEWE client area.
What is a first aid register?
Every accident at work – however small – deserves to be followed up. That is why you are required to have a first aid register as part of your prevention policy.
In this register, you record every incident that gives rise to a first aid intervention – even if it does not result in absenteeism or incapacity for work.
You can find a template document for the first aid register in your My IDEWE client area.
Why must you keep a first aid register?
Keeping a first aid register helps you:
- to report accidents at work
- to manage your first aid supplies
- to evaluate your preventive measures
You should at least record the following information in a first aid register:
- the victim’s name
- the name of the person who administered first aid
- place, date and time of the accident
- description and circumstances of the accident
- date and time of the intervention
- nature of the assistance provided
- identity of any witnesses
Why you should choose first aid training at IDEWE
- Preventative approach - Prepare your employees for emergencies. That way, you can improve health & safety within your organisation.
- Expertise and experience - Your employees receive hands-on training from experts with experience in the workplace.
- Near you - Take a training course in your region or invite us to your organisation. We always tailor our training to your needs.