Update on the review of the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981

HSE has now produced a position statement [189KB] on the structure and content of first aid training courses. In developing its position, HSE has taken full account of relevant research findings and comments received from stakeholders during consultation exercises. It has also worked closely with HSE approved first aid training organisations.

The document briefly outlines the findings of the review of the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 as they relate to training, the justification for making changes to the current first aid training arrangements and future course structure and content. Included as appendices are an HSE consultation paper issued in November 2004 with the aim of obtaining comments on proposals for first aid training from first aid at work training providers and an analysis of the responses received at the end of the consultation period.

The document does not cover the more detailed aspects of how the changes will be implemented. Further discussions with HSE approved first aid training providers will be needed to clarify this detail. Nor does it cover approval and monitoring of first aid at work training organisations. However, work is continuing in this area as described in the August 2005 update. Any significant progress will be reported in subsequent updates.

October 2005