As businesses up and down the country take on extra staff over the Christmas period, the British Red Cross is urging employers to make sure they have the necessary first aid cover.
To help businesses meet their legal requirements for health and safety at work, the Red Cross has set an online risk assessment calculator at: redcrossfirstaidtraining.co.uk/Courses/Right-course.aspx
Anna McManus, sales and marketing manager for Red Cross Training said: “We know the lead up to Christmas is a very busy time for most businesses and industry in general.
“With so much else going on, first aid cover can be deemed a low priority, but it is vital, especially when people are so busy, that life saving skills are taken as seriously as ever.”
Under UK law, employers are required to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and first aid personnel as determined by the Health and Safety Executive. However, what is adequate depends on the workplace and industry sector.
Anna said: “Health and safety does not have to be complicated at all. The Red Cross has attempted to make it easier for employers to comply with the law and manage health and safety in their businesses through the risk calculator on our website: redcrossfirstaidtraining.co.uk/Courses/Right-course.aspx
“Good health and safety cover can not only save lives, but will also save businesses’ money by creating a safe working culture and reducing the cost of absenteeism after unnecessary accidents. There is also the added value of improving staff morale and confidence while keeping away from possible prosecution for failure to observe HSE guidelines,” she explained.
The Red Cross Training teams have over 29 year’s experience of providing a broad range of first aid at work training and have recently updated their courses in light of the new Northern Ireland guidelines.
For more information on the British Red Cross please visit: http://www.redcross.org.uk or follow us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/britishredcross
ENDS
For more information, visit redcross.org.uk
Contact: Henry Makiwa
Phone: 0207 877 7479 or Out of office hours pager: 07659 145095
Email: HMakiwa@redcross.org.uk
Website: http://www.redcross.org.uk
