If your business operates in Romford, Havering or across Essex, an HSE first aid audit is not something to ignore. During inspections, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) checks whether employers are meeting their legal first aid responsibilities under UK law.

At Bespoke Scuba Diving, we help businesses prepare for HSE inspections through compliant First Aid training in Romford, ensuring your workplace meets all inspection standards.

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What Is an HSE First Aid Audit?

An HSE First Aid Audit forms part of a workplace inspection and focuses on whether your organisation has adequate first aid arrangements in place.

Inspectors assess:

• Risk assessments

• First aider training records

• Equipment and facilities

• Incident procedures

• Staff awareness

Failing an audit can lead to improvement notices, enforcement action or fines.

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Legal Framework Inspectors Use

HSE inspectors assess compliance with:

• Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981

• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

• HSE guidance document L74 – First Aid at Work

These laws apply to all employers in Romford and Essex, regardless of business size.

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What HSE Inspectors Look For

1. First Aid Needs Assessment

Inspectors will ask to see a documented First Aid Needs Assessment, considering:

• Number of employees

• Workplace hazards

• History of accidents

• Lone workers or remote staff

• Public access to premises

A missing or outdated assessment is a common failure point.

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2. Adequately Trained First Aiders

Inspectors check:

• Correct HSE-approved training (EFAW or FAW)

• Certification validity (refreshed every 3 years)

• Sufficient number of first aiders per shift

Training must be appropriate to the risk level of your Romford workplace.

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3. First Aid Equipment & Supplies

Your workplace must have:

• Fully stocked first aid kits

• Clearly labelled and accessible locations

• Contents suitable for identified risks

Kits must be checked regularly and restocked as needed.

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4. First Aid Facilities

Depending on your business size and risk level, inspectors may expect:

• A dedicated first aid room or area

• Clean, accessible handwashing facilities

• Appropriate privacy

Higher-risk environments have higher expectations.

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5. Emergency Procedures & Incident Records

Inspectors look for:

• Clear emergency response procedures

• Accident reporting processes

• Accident book records

• Evidence staff know what to do

Staff should be able to identify first aiders quickly.

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Common Reasons Businesses Fail HSE First Aid Audits

• Expired first aid certificates

• No written First Aid Needs Assessment

• Too few first aiders on shift

• Inadequate first aid kits

• Training not matched to workplace risks

Many Romford businesses fail audits due to outdated or incorrect training.

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How First Aid Training in Romford Helps You Pass Audits

Our HSE-compliant First Aid courses in Romford help employers:

• Meet legal requirements

• Provide correct certification

• Maintain audit-ready records

• Demonstrate compliance to inspectors

We deliver:

• Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)

• First Aid at Work (FAW)

• Annual refreshers & requalification

Training is available on-site or locally in Romford.

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Who Needs to Prepare for HSE First Aid Audits?

• Employers with 5+ staff

• Construction & trade businesses

• Warehouses & logistics

• Schools & childcare providers

• Gyms, clubs & public venues

• Marine & outdoor activity providers

If you operate in Romford or anywhere in Essex / East London, an audit can happen at any time.

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Book HSE First Aid at Work in Essex

If you’re an employer in Romford or the surrounding Essex area, ensure you meet your legal first aid obligations today.

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📞 Contact Bespoke Scuba Diving to book - 01708 837032
📍 Local training across Romford & Essex
📅 Flexible dates available