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The Health and Safety Executive has issued fresh advice on first aid cover during the coronavirus outbreak.
Sharing first aid cover with other businesses and extending first aid certifications are two of the measures recommended by the safety watchdog, which published the new guidance last week.
'If first aid cover for your business is reduced because of coronavirus or you can’t get the first aid training you need, there are some things you can do so that you still comply with the law,' the guide says.
It suggests sharing the first aiders of another business, but reminds dutyholders to be sure that they have the knowledge, experience and availability to cover the first aid needs of their business. It also warns whoever provides the temporary cover to ensure they do not adversely affect their own first aid cover.
The regulator is also offering first aid certificate extensions to those who hold a first aid certificate that expired on or after 16 March 2020 and cannot access requalification training because of coronavirus. It applies to Offshore Medic, Offshore First Aid, First Aid at Work and the Emergency First Aid at Work certificates.