First aid at work
Legal background of first aid at work
The fundamental purpose of first aid is to save the life of the injured person and prevent further damage to their health. Providing assistance to people who have suffered an accident or injury is one of the most expected human actions, and it is also our civic and legal obligation. This is no different in the workplace.
The Occupational Safety Act states that „At the workplace – taking into account its nature, location, sources of danger, number of employees, the effects of work and the working environment, and factors harmful to health, as well as the organization of work – The material, personnel, and organizational conditions for providing first aid at work must be ensured.
Minimum occupational safety requirements for workplaces solo 3/2002 Joint decree of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and the Ministry of Healthstates that „At every workplace and during every shift a the hazardous nature of the activity and work processes, and first aid equipment tailored to the number of employees working there or first aid kit and the presence of a trained first-aid responder must be ensured among the employees..”
How many first aiders are required in the workplace?
There are currently no comprehensive regulations in place covering this area. Previous legislation has been repealed and can therefore only be used as a guideline.
When determining the number of designated first aiders, the nature of the workplace and the total number of employees must be taken into account.
Based on previous domestic guidelines, the minimum number of designated first aiders should be determined as follows
- 1 person for 6-50 employees
- 2 persons for 51-100 employees
- 3 persons for 101-200 employees
- 4 persons for 201-400 employees
- more than 5 people.
So, Every workplace and shift must have a designated first aid provider. When determining their number, in addition to the above, any illnesses and vacations must also be taken into account.
Does a driver's license entitle the holder to administer first aid at work?
The answer is no.. A statement issued by the National Labor Safety and Labor Inspectorate explains the following. „The health examination is only a condition for the issuance of a driver's license and does not in itself constitute first aid training. The subject of the examination will be a narrow field of roadside first aid. Prospective drivers will acquire the first aid knowledge required for a driver's license in groups and in a very small number of hours.”
How often should training participate in designated first aiders?
A training During the training, designated employees acquire the theoretical and practical first aid knowledge necessary for professional and effective care or even resuscitation in the event of accidents or injuries. In order to ensure that their knowledge is adequate and that they are able to apply it in practice, it is recommended that designated employees receive annual refresher training.
What first aid equipment must be provided in the workplace?
Currently, the First aid kits that comply with MSZ 13553 standards must be provided in accordance with the number of employees.
- “Type ”I" first aid kit for up to 30 people;
- “Type II rescue kit for 31-50 people;
- “Type III rescue kit 51-100 people;
- “Type IV rescue kit 101-200 people;
In addition, taking into account the specific characteristics of the workplace, additional equipment necessary for first aid, such as eye wash solution, must be procured.
Are defibrillators mandatory in workplaces?
There is no legal requirement to keep a defibrillator on standby in the workplace. However, it should not be overlooked that sudden cardiac arrest ranks first among mortality statistics among the Hungarian population. Since a defibrillator cannot be replaced by any other device, it is recommended to purchase one, especially in workplaces where a large proportion of employees are over 50 years of age, where the number of employees exceeds 50, or where the work process makes it necessary.
