If you’re running an industrial warehouse, a First Aid audit is one of your most important responsibilities. Industrial environments like warehouses must meet the minimum requirements for the safety of its workers, so how do you begin making your workplace as safe as possible?
Let’s take a closer look at what a first aid audit entails, how to carry it out on your site, and the necessary contents of your First Aid Kit.
What is a First Aid Audit?
A First Aid audit is an assessment of the safety precautions in place at your place of business. Should an employee fall ill or have an accident in your warehouse, whether it’s the fault of your business or not, it is your duty to administer First Aid.
In many cases, a quick response can significantly improve their chances of developing an infection and reduce the severity of the issue. If an ambulance needs to be called, immediate First Aid can buy valuable time for the sufferer.
A First Aid audit means complying with The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulation standards. These standards include having the correct First Aid equipment on the premises, the necessary facilities for such requirements as evacuation and fire safety, and First Aid personnel among your employees to help at any given moment. All these requirements will vary depending on the type and scale of your business. Read on to see the minimum requirements for a standard First Aid audit to be approved.
What Do You Need to Pass a First Aid Audit?
These are the minimum requirements that need to be met for your warehouse to pass its audit.
- British Standard Compliant First Aid Kits – you can buy one easily online.
- A designated employee who is trained in basic First Aid
- Official First Aid instructions and information
An accident, injury or an employee falling ill can happen at any time of day, so First Aid needs to be on hand at any given moment. There are other levels of First Aid depending on the type of business you’re running, and the size and layout of your warehouse.
If you’ve met the minimum First Aid requirements, it’s up to your discretion as site manager whether you need further precautions in place.
What Should Be in Your First Aid Kit?
There are no strict rules regarding exactly what your First Aid Kit contains, as this depends on the type and practical requirements of the operation you’re running. If your workers are only exposed to low level risks, the following is a reasonable suggestion for what your First Aid box should contain.
- Sterile plasters – 20 is a good number
- Sterile bandages
- Dressings for wounds
- Eye patches
- Eye wash
- Safety pins
- Plastic single-use gloves
Who Is In Charge of a First Aid?
An employee in the workplace is often required to be in charge of First Aid. While low risk warehouse environments do not require a trained First Aider, you still need someone to take the reins should an incident occur. This person is not necessarily trained in First Aid, but they are responsible for:
- Ensuring the First Aid kit is stocked up
- Taking charge of all other First Aid equipment
- Calling an ambulance if it is needed
- Administering basic First Aid
When a trained First Aider is required on the premises, they must hold a FAW (First Aid at Work), EFAW (Emergency First Aid at Work) or other First Aid training certification. It is your responsibility as an employer to ensure your First Aiders have the appropriate training.
A First Aid audit is essential to ensure your warehouse is as safe as place as possible for your staff to work. If an accident or sudden illness should occur, you’ll be better prepared to deal with it, and minimise the financial and human cost involved.
Invest in a certified and up-to-date First Aid kit today to make your working environment as safe as possible.
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