Why first aid is mandatory in a company
The title on first aid in Book I of the Code on Well-being at Work requires the employer, based on the risk analysis, to give victims first aid as quickly as possible and to alert the emergency services where needed (Article I.5-2). The employer determines the basic equipment and the contents of the first-aid kit on the advice of the occupational physician (Article I.5-4) and keeps a register of every intervention (Article I.5-6).
Exceptions
How you organise it depends on size. Below 20 employees, where the employer is the prevention adviser, the employer or a trained, appointed employee gives first aid. Larger employers need enough first aiders or nurses for the entire working time, and a first-aid room unless the risk analysis makes it unnecessary.
What is the risk?
A breach of the Well-being at Work Act and its implementing decrees, such as the code, is a level 3 offence under Article 127 of the Social Criminal Code: an administrative fine of € 1,000 to € 10,000. If it causes harm to health or an accident at work, the penalty is heavier.
What to do
Record who gives first aid, provide a complete first-aid kit and check it regularly. Have first aiders follow basic training of at least 15 teaching hours at an approved body, with annual refresher training of at least 4 teaching hours.
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Sources
Every amount and deadline on this page was checked against these official sources, last consulted on .