What are a company's obligations in terms of first aid?

First Aid: Employers' Obligations

The safety of a company's employees is an integral part of every employer's responsibility. To better ensure their health and safety at work, employers must implement effective prevention measures against certain risks. First aid training may be necessary. Who should undergo this training within a company? Is it a mandatory training? What are the main equipment obligations for an employer? Read on for a detailed article on the subject.

Who should be trained in first aid in a company?

Employee safety is a legal obligation that every employer must respect, regardless of the company's size or the industry involved. An employee must undergo first aid or emergency response training for every workshop engaged in activities considered dangerous.

At least one employee must also have basic first aid knowledge on a construction site employing 20 workers. It's important to note that employees are only trained in first aid procedures and do not replace nurses.

Read our article to learn more about safety culture and the importance of knowing first aid procedures.

Is first aid training at work mandatory?

Companies are required to set up appropriate emergency measures to improve employee safety.

You can organize fun activity days to raise awareness among employees about safety at work. Click on our link to get a safety theme idea to organize.

A mandatory training plan based on risks

Implementing a training plan for employees will depend on the assessment of risks related to the company's activity. Other factors can also be taken into account such as the company's size, the stakeholders involved, and its geographical location.

It is the employer's responsibility to designate one or more previously trained employees to intervene in emergency situations. As mentioned earlier, labor law requires the presence of a person trained in first aid in each workshop.

What action plan should be implemented in the company?

If the risks are deemed significant, here are some mandatory measures to implement:

• Human resources available through training suitable staff in emergency response and first aid procedures;
• Clear and precise instructions that employees should be aware of to know the procedures in case of emergency or accident;
• Effective alert systems and appropriate first aid equipment.

What are the equipment obligations in a company?

The employer is required to provide employees with the necessary equipment to perform first aid at work. The types of mandatory equipment will depend on the assessed risk level.

First aid kits

A company's first aid kit should contain all the necessary equipment to provide initial care to an injured person at work. A wall-mounted kit is recommended for visibility to everyone.

There is no regulatory text specifying what should be in a first aid kit. However, all equipment must be in excellent condition and not expired. Essential items in the kit include:

• An antiseptic for the skin;
• Adhesive tape;
• Sterile compresses;
• Extendable bands;
• Pre-cut bandages, etc.

It's entirely possible to supplement it with products purchased at a pharmacy.

Information to associate with the first aid kit

The name and surname of the first aid and rescue worker (SST) should be marked near the first aid kit's location. It's also essential to add the police and firefighter numbers.

A specific sign must indicate your emergency equipment's location so that trained individuals can quickly intervene when needed.

Mandatory checks and maintenance

Regular checks and maintenance are recommended to ensure the proper functioning of the first aid equipment in an organization. An upstream check avoids the risks of having defective equipment.

Is a care room mandatory?

For a company with more than 200 employees, a care room must be set up. All employees must be informed of this room's existence. The room should be easily accessible, with the possibility of bringing in a stretcher.

Failure to comply with this legal obligation may result in imprisonment and a fine of up to 3,750 euros.

What are the first aid training devices?

There are many types of first aid training devices dedicated to companies. Here are a few:

Prevention and Civic Rescue Level 1 (PSC1)

This training allows learners to know all the basic rescue gestures. The duration of this training program is generally 7 hours. It's provided by authorized public organizations.

There are also national or departmental associations that offer these trainings for companies in need.

Attestation of training in emergency gestures and care

This training is only intended for professionals working in the health sector. It concerns those working in health establishments and medico-social structures.

During the training program, the necessary emergency gestures and care in case of sanitary, chemical, or biological risks will be presented.

Awareness of lifesaving gestures

This training teaches essential first aid gestures and lasts only 2 hours.

Work Rescue and First Aid Training (SST)

The Work Rescue and First Aid training is best suited for companies to include awareness phases on the main professional risks. Trained workers receive a SST certificate.

Thanks to qualified and experienced trainers, participants will master all the basics of first aid and emergency gestures.

Call on Immersive Factory, a VR training specialist

Immersive Factory offers companies first aid training formulas using virtual reality. These are very modernized learning programs that can raise awareness among staff about the importance of safety at work.

In addition to theoretical awareness, hands-on practice using VR headsets offers a much more exciting experience for participants. During the training, everyone can put into practice everything they have learned in a real-time situation.

No need to wait for an accident to happen. Virtual reality changes everything! The technology provides exceptional quality training.