Accident risk when first-aiders take holiday

Companies should consider how letting first-aiders take holidays at the same time might affect their legal position if an accident occurs, a leading charity says.

The statement, made by the Red Cross, warns businesses they should not allow too many of these employees to take their annual leave at once.

Under the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, firms are required to make appropriate provisions for their workforce's safety.

At any given time, there must be someone responsible for first-aid on site in case of an accident or injury.

The Institute of Occupational Safety and Health identifies the summer as the peak time for staff to go on vacation, increasing the risk of firms "falling foul" of regulations.

Available from the Health and Safety Executive website are suggested figures for the number of first-aiders different size organisations should employ.

The organisation recommends that a low-risk, office-based business of 100 people employs at least two.