Skeleton Summer Staff

The British Red Cross is warning that low staffing levels over the summer period may lead to businesses falling foul of health and safety guidelines. Many businesses operate on almost skeleton staffing levels over the summer period as employees' annual leave reaches its peak season. During this time, many businesses leave themselves at risk through lack of preparation and lack of awareness of health and safety regulations stating that somebody responsible for first aid arrangements must be on site at all times.

A business needs to be aware of what its first aid requirements are.

The number of first aiders depends on the circumstances of each particular organisation or work site. The HSE guidelines, shown in the table below, suggest the level of cover needed according to risk and the number of employees within the organisation but it is important to remember that accidents can happen at any time.

If you believe that your business needs to have a first aider on site and does not have the relevant cover over the summer time, the Red Cross can help with fully comprehensive HSE compliant first aid at work courses available throughout the country. Places are also available at short notice, so there is still time to make sure that your business is fully covered for the summer. In addition, the Red Cross First Aid Training website provides an easy to understand explanation of the HSE guidelines and an online calculator which enables you to check that you are providing the correct level of provision. For further information please contact: Lydia Mottershead, Tel: 0161 888 8952, ,Email: lmottershead@redcross.org.uk