Legal and Moral Obligations

Legal and Moral Obligations

Provision of First Aid in the Workplace

Individual businesses will determine what sort of first aid provision is provided in the workplace. As a minimum fish and chip shops should have at least one person to be in charge of the First Aid box and who knows how to deal with emergency situations (An Appointed Person) In addition to this it is a good idea for each shop to have at least one person trained as a First Aider. There are 2 courses that are suitable, either a one-day emergency first aid course or a 3 day (more extensive) First Aid at work course. In both these courses they teach resuscitation and recovery position which is useful in the event of someone having a major problem, such as heart attacks and strokes. First Aid generally is given to employees but it may be that a customer needs help at some time.

If you have a problem that needs some attention make sure you report it and get first aid treatment. This should be recorded in the accident book.

The most likely treatment you may need in a fish and chip shop is either dealing with cuts or burns, two common occupational hazards of the industry.

First Aid Boxes and Equipment

The shop has a fully stocked first aid box, kept in an accessible place. There are specialist first Aid boxes available for catering establishments. These contain the minimum stock as stipulated by the HSE. This will include a variety of plasters and bandages, eye pads, triangular bandages, sterile eye wash, scissors, safety pins and a First Aid book.

The plasters in the first aid box MUST be brightly coloured (usually blue) and not clear or flesh coloured. This is to reduce the risk of plasters ending up in the food you are dealing with as required under Food Safety rules.

First Aiders are not allowed to issue any sort of medication and first aid boxes should never include any drugs, such as Paracetamol or Aspirin, or antiseptics. People can be allergic to them and First Aiders are not trained as pharmacists.

An Appointed Person should regularly check the contents of the box and re-stock it as necessary.