One of the more complicated areas of the new first aid needs assessment is considering ‘the nature of the work, the hazards and the risks’. You should consider the risks and identify what possible injuries could occur in order to ensure sufficient first aid provision is available.
The following table, compiled using information from the Health & Safety Executive, identifies some common workplace risks and the possible injuries that could occur:

Risk	Possible Injuries Requiring First Aid
Manual Handling	Fractures, lacerations, sprains and strains.
Slip and trip hazards	Fractures, sprains and strains, lacerations.
Machinery	Crush injuries, amputations, fractures, lacerations, eye injuries.
Work at height	Head injury, loss of consciousness, spinal injury, fractures, sprains and strains.
Workplace transport	Crush injuries, fractures, sprains and strains, spinal injuries.
Electricity	Electric shock, burns.
Chemicals	Poisoning, loss of consciousness, burns, eye injuries.

The table is not comprehensive and does not cover all the risks that could occur in a workplace, so you should look at each area of the workplace and document the risks and the possible injuries.
 
One reason for this exercise is to ensure that you provide the correct type of first aider(s). There are now two levels of workplace first aider:

• Emergency First Aider at Work (EFAW) – 6 hour course
• First Aider at Work (FAW) – 18 hour course.

You should ensure that your first aiders are trained to deal with the injuries and illness that could occur. The table below will help you match your requirements to the most appropriate course:

Extra, specialised training and provision may be needed for hazards such as chemicals, dangerous machinery, working in confined spaces etc.

You should also consider the possible illnesses that could occur in the workplace and ensure you have adequate provision.

The Nature of the Workforce >