ESB Group First Aid Policy

Chief Executive's Safety Committee relaunched

There is a strong tradition of First Aid in ESB. Many of our colleagues are involved in First Aid at work and also in our communities. Many provide First Aid and other life support instruction. We have First Aid Equipment Guidelines and also a policy of locating Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in all locations where we have normally 50 or more staff present.

Changes in legislation in relation to First Aid at work and associated guidance has led to the development of a Group First Aid Policy in ESB.

The policy was developed by a cross business working group made up of the following people: Maria Sheerin, Eddie Reynor and Bob Gibbs of Customer Supply & Group Services Health Services; Tom Mulvaney, Pascal Walsh and Liam Thomas from Training, BrÍan MacCoitir from Power Generation, Michael Hughes from ESB Networks Ltd, Sharon Maguire from ESB International and Ronan Collier from Corporate Centre. The group was given great assistance by Dr Jim O'Malley, Sandra Ryan and Fiona Coughlan in ESB Health Services.

This policy brings the relevant elements of the legislation, guidance and existing best practices in First Aid together in one document. The main elements of the First Aid Policy are:

  • Policy statement - ESB's commitment to provide and maintain First Aid.
  • Risk Assessment - All businesses must assess the need for First Aid and put in place arrangements and facilities based on this assessment.
  • Equipment & Materials - The range available to render First Aid.
  • Training - Details of all First Aid training courses approved in ESB.
  • Designated Roles - First Aiders, First Aid Attendants and others.
  • Communications & Approvals - How to access First Aid in an emergency, recording of First Aid treatment and approval to appoint persons with responsibility for First Aid and the purchase of First Aid equipment.
  • Appendices - use of AEDs, First Aid Treatment Book, First Aid Signage, Course syllabi.

The policy was launched during Safety Week by Owen Wilson, Manager Group Health, Safety and Environment. At the launch he stated that the group policy provided a framework for a consistent approach to managing First Aid in ESB.

Pocket Cardio-Pulmonary-Resuscitation (CPR) cards have also been updated as part of the Group policy. These credit-card-sized guides provide basic information in providing immediate assistance to someone who is unconscious and unresponsive. It is recommended that everyone in ESB should carry a pocket card with them whether they have formal First Aid training or not. The information could help save a life. These cards are available from any of the above working group members.

The policy will be implemented in each ESB business during 2010.