First aid, accidents and illness in the workplace

You need to appoint someone to take charge of first aid in your workplace.

Workplace first aiders

When you assess the first aid needs for your workplace you might decide that you need a qualified first aider. A first aider is someone who has undertaken training and has a qualification is approved by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI). This means that they must hold a valid certificate of competence in either:

• first aid at work, issued by a training organisation approved by HSENI
• emergency first aid at work, issued by a training organisation approved by HSENI or a recognised awarding body

Appointed persons in charge of first aid

If you decide you don't need a first aider in your workplace, you should appoint someone to take charge of first aid arrangements. The role of this appointed person includes:

• looking after first aid equipment and facilities
• calling the emergency services when required

They can also provide emergency cover where a first aider is absent due to unforeseen circumstances (annual leave does not count). Appointed persons do not need first aid training, though emergency first aid courses are available.

There is always chance of an accident or illness, so you may consider providing qualified first aiders even if they aren't strictly needed. You do not need an appointed person if there are enough first aiders.