Vital first aid training is being offered to Shropshire and Staffordshire's smallest companies.

Firms with a handful of employees or less often overlook the legal requirements on first aid training.

"Many small businesses don't realise that the law says they must have carried out an assessment of first aid needs in their workplace," said Tori Booth of training specialists Saracen Solutions.

"If an accident occurs the Health and Safety Executive may prosecute in cases where they feel that people have been put at risk or that safety standards have been ignored. 

"This even applies to sole traders working from home if they ever invite anyone on to the premises."

Market Drayton based Saracen Solutions is offering a one day course called Emergency First Aid for the Business Professional.

Seminars, accredited by the Health and Safety Executive, are being held at the Moat House Hotel, Festival Park, Stoke-on-Trent on 28 April and at Telford, on 27 May.

Saracen Solutions also offers three day courses designed for companies whose work area could result in more serious safety risks.

Courses are being held at Shrewsbury, from 11-13 May and at the Moat House Hotel, Festival Park, Stoke-on-Trent, from 15 - 17 June. Venues for the Shropshire events have still to be announced.

Tori explained: "The one day course gives the appropriate level of training for office environments such as firms of solicitors or accountants, while our three day seminars are more suited to manual trades such as builders or engineers.

"The level of cover needed depends on an assessment of the level of risk within the working environment." 

To book a place, or discuss company training needs, contact Tori on 07801 441249 or 01630 695845.