Occupational first aid in Ireland: who needs a first aider?

Employer duties

Under the General Application Regulations 2007, employers must provide first-aid equipment at every place of work where working conditions require it and, depending on the size and hazards of the workplace, trained occupational first-aiders. Regulation 165 sets the provisions for first aid.

How many first aiders?

The HSA FAQ gives guidance based on the type of workplace. For example, for factories, construction sites, surface mines and quarries: up to 49 employees — one first aider if the risk assessment in the safety statement shows it is necessary; 50–149 employees — at least one; 150–299 employees — at least two. Check the full HSA table for other workplace types.

Training standard

The HSA states that the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) First Aid Response (FAR) standard is the recognised standard for occupational first aid. PHECC authorises Recognised Institutions and Approved Training Institutions to deliver and examine FAR and to issue joint certificates. The FAR course is not less than 18 contact hours. If a first aider's certification lapses by less than 30 days, recertification is normally required; otherwise the full three-day training is needed.