First Aid Announcement

15 Dec First Aid Announcement

Statement of the Health and Safety Authority in relation to Occupational First Aid

As advised in November 2016, it has been agreed between the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and the Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council to transition to one national harmonised standard for Occupational First Aid training in Ireland.
This statement is issued to address queries received in relation to Occupational First Aid during the transition period. The Occupational First Aid Assessment Agent (OFAAA) was established by the Health and Safety Authority for the purpose of:

1. Administering the training of Occupational First Aid practitioners; and
2. Assessing Occupational First Aid Instructors

As and from 31 October 2016, OFAAA ceased to exist and the HSA has not appointed any other party to carry out OFAAA functions.  There have been no OFAAA Occupational First Aid Instructor assessments since 1 November 2016.
Since 1 November 2016 any Occupational First Aid Instructor assessments carried out by any party will not have been by or on behalf of OFAAA.
For the avoidance of any doubt:

1. The HSA currently only recognises OFAAA Occupational First Aid Instructor assessments carried out prior to 1 November 2016.
2.  The HSA does not recognise any Occupational First Aid Instructor assessments which may have been carried out since 1 November 2016 as these have not been carried out by or on behalf of OFAAA.

The HSA only recognises OFA training carried out by OFAAA assessed Instructors and organisations.  Furthermore it should be noted that www.ofaaa.ie , www.ofaaa.com , info@ofaaa.ie and certification@ofaaa.ie have had no function connected with OFAAA since 1 November 2016.
Note: Please be vigilant when procuring first aid training.
Source: www.hsa.ie