Why people need training in emergency procedures

Quick and effective action can ease a situation and reduce its consequences, but people need training in the response procedures so that:

• everyone knows what to do and when to act, to avoid further disruption
• everyone responds more reliably, which makes the reaction to an accident or incident more proactive and effective
• people act appropriately and return to work as soon as possible
• workers feel more sure of their abilities, which builds confidence in their skills
• training, communication and regular drills make sure the plan is carried out well
• ideally every employee receives emergency preparedness training in the protective actions that keep people safe
• the legal requirement to train staff in workplace emergency procedures is met

Emergency response team members who give first aid or CPR or use AEDs should receive training to obtain and keep those certifications. Employees who use portable fire extinguishers, fire hoses or other firefighting equipment should be trained as the applicable regulation requires. Employees who respond to hazardous materials spills also need training.

Why emergency procedures need to be tested

Practising emergency procedures makes sure everyone is prepared for the worst. When an emergency strikes, a fast reaction is crucial, and routine equipment checks and practice are vital. In particular, regular practice:

• exposes weaknesses in the current emergency system, such as shortages of equipment, supplies or trained people
• builds morale and confidence in responding quickly, whatever the situation
• raises safety awareness and shows the organisation's commitment to worker safety
• helps workers learn procedures, so they can find the right emergency numbers and contact the right place for help
• helps workers decide quickly when an emergency occurs
• gives responders greater self-confidence in dangerous situations
• gives valuable training to everyone involved, clarifies roles and responsibilities, and leads to a more effective reaction
• improves individual performance as well as organisational coordination and communication
• gives outside responders the chance to become familiar with your plan
• helps comply with local laws, codes and regulations

Exercises and drills can practise all of the plan or its critical parts, such as evacuation. A thorough, immediate review after each drill, or after a real emergency, will show what needs improvement. Knowledge of individual responsibilities can be tested by paper tests or interviews.

What to consider when deciding first aid needs

First aid provision must be adequate and appropriate in the circumstances. That means enough first aid equipment (kits), facilities and personnel at all times.

To decide what to provide, carry out a first aid needs assessment. It should consider the circumstances of the workplace and workforce and the hazards and risks present. In assessing your first aid needs, consider:

• the nature of the work
• workplace hazards and risks, including specific hazards that need special arrangements
• the nature and size of the workforce
• the work patterns of staff
• annual leave and other absences of first aiders
• the organisation's accident history
• the needs of travelling, remote and lone workers
• the distribution of the workforce
• how far any site is from emergency medical services
• whether employees work on shared or multi-occupancy sites
• first aid provision for non-employees, such as members of the public

More detail is in First aid at work: The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, Guidance on Regulations (L74), third edition, 2013.

Further Reading

• Guidelines on occupational safety and health management systems (ILO-OSH 2001)
• Guidance on permit-to-work systems: a guide for the petroleum, chemical and allied industries (HSG250)
• ILO C155, Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981
• ILO R164, Occupational Safety and Health Recommendation, 1981
• ILO C167, Safety and Health in Construction Convention, 1988
• ILO R175, Safety and Health in Construction Recommendation, 1988
• ILO Global Database on Occupational Safety and Health Legislation (LEGOSH)
• ILO Code of Practice, Safety and health in construction
• ILO Training Package on Workplace Risk Assessment and Management
• Leadership for the major hazard industries: effective health and safety management (INDG277)
• Managing for health and safety (HSG65)
• ISO 45001:2018, Occupational health and safety management systems
• Reducing error and influencing behaviour (HSG48)
• Risk assessment: a brief guide to controlling risks in the workplace (INDG163)
• Safe work in confined spaces: Approved Code of Practice and guidance (L101)
• The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981: Guidance on Regulations (L74)
• Working alone: health and safety guidance on the risks of lone working (INDG73)
• hse.gov.uk/risk/controlling-risks.htm
• hse.gov.uk/risk/casestudies

Summary notes for Element 3 · Cheat sheet · Glossary. A study aid, not published or endorsed by NEBOSH.