POA News

122 | 27.09.2017

FIRST AID PSI 29/2015

It has been drawn to the attention of the NEC that Governors are failing to adhere to the provisions of the above PSI which was effective from May 2016 and the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981.

The NEC has written to HMPPS to seek clarity on a number of issues as a matter of urgency.

In order to ensure that your current safe systems of work and risk assessments are appropriate and compliant with the above, local committees must raise the issue with the Governor as a matter of urgency to seek assurances on the following;

• The provisions of the local risk assessments, safe systems of work and contingency plans provide   safeguards to ensure that the Orderly Officer has the required number of first aiders on duty who are volunteers to prevent them from possible criminal/civil proceedings for misconduct in a public office.

• A list of first aiders who have volunteered for the duties and the evidence to support they are a volunteer.

• In compliance with 1.11 of the PSI can the Governor provide you with the minimum number of first aiders who must be on duty 24/7, who have volunteered to undertake the duties.

• In relation to Annex A section 2 can you provide clarity as to how the Governor has accepted volunteers who meet the criteria as laid out.

The provision of the PSI and Regulations clearly set out the number of FAWs and EFAWs required in every establishment taking into account the  prison population on any given day, prison staff on duty, contractors, visitors and others, you should ensure you gather this data to ensure the first aid cover complies with the risk assessment and safe system in your establishment.

Thank you in anticipation for your support and cooperation in this matter.

Yours sincerely
STEVE GILLAN
General Secretary

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