Health and safety should be top priority for all workplaces. In addition to having the right procedures in place and the correct first aid equipment on hand, it’s crucial that your employees know how to avoid hazards and deal with emergencies when they arise.
Workplace first aid training for your staff has advantages for you as an employer and will also benefit your employees, customers, visitors and the local community. Here are 8 reasons why every workplace should invest in first aid training:
1. Keep your team safe
First aid training teaches your staff how to keep themselves safe in the workplace, how to spot potential hazards and how to care for others in an emergency. In the case of serious injuries and accidents, a fast first aid response can save a person’s life and improve recovery outcomes.
For minor injuries and first aid situations, first aid knowledge in the workplace will ensure the affected person is treated properly and quickly. This can improve the healing process, allow for effective pain management and reduce the risk of infection and other more serious complications.
2. Faster emergency response
A fast first aid response can save lives and prevent injuries from becoming more serious. The more practice someone has, the more confident they are to take the appropriate first aid steps and react quickly and calmly in an emergency.
For some first aid emergencies, the chance of survival reduces quickly the longer it takes for help to arrive. For example, if a person is experiencing heart failure, anaphylaxis or chemical burns, a fast response improves their chances of survival greatly.
First aid training gives your team the chance to practise and prepare for emergency situations so that when one does arrive, they’ll be able to respond quickly.
3. Correct use of first aid equipment
Having a well stocked workplace first aid kit is essential whether you work in a low-risk office or a high-risk work site. Although a workplace first aid kit might be readily available, not all staff members will know how to use the items appropriately.
Workplace first aid training can help your employees feel confident in selecting the right first aid items and applying the correct first aid treatments when an emergency arises.
This is particularly important for situations that require quick action. For example, when a person is unconscious or showing signs of heart failure, it’s important that bystanders feel confident to use an AED such as the Zoll defibrillator straight away. When your staff is familiar with how to use an AED, they will be able to provide fast and effective care to the affected person.
4. Improve overall workplace health and safety
First aid training provides the skills and knowledge to deal with first aid emergencies, but it also improves your ability to spot and prevent hazards in the workplace. In other words, investing in workplace first aid training can improve the overall health and safety in your workplace.
For example, when learning about how to treat burns in the workplace, your staff will also learn what types of burns occur in the workplace and the different risk factors they might face. This knowledge can help your staff better spot burn hazards in the workplace and take steps to reduce the risk to themselves and others.
5. Increase awareness about specific risks
Every workplace has its own specific health and safety risks. For example, an industrial plant dealing with hazardous chemicals needs to have an eyewash station and shower station on site. Companies in the transport industry need to ensure their employees are prepared for roadside emergencies and remote workers should be ready to deal with snake bites and insect stings.
First aid training can be customised to address the specific risks and hazards your employees face everyday in their jobs. In many situations, an incorrect emergency response could put your employees at higher risk. First aid training ensures your team knows how to correctly deal with emergencies to reduce the risk of further injury or serious complications.
6. Create a positive workplace environment
When you create a safe and healthy workplace and empower your team to handle emergencies with confidence it can have a positive impact on the workplace culture. A strong workplace culture can improve efficiency, employee satisfaction and employee retention. You’re also more likely to attract great new talent when you foster a positive workplace culture.
7. Financial benefits
Many businesses avoid first aid training because of the cost. However, investing in workplace first aid training can actually be financially beneficial for your business. By improving workplace safety and injury outcomes, you avoid large medical costs and reduced productivity due to medical related absences.
8. Community benefits
First aid training is something your staff can put to use in the workplace, but they can also take the knowledge and skills they’ve learnt into other areas of their life. When more members of the community know how to provide first aid, it benefits the whole community.
Conclusion
Every workplace has its own set of first aid requirements. As an employer it’s crucial to ensure you are meeting health and safety regulations, providing the correct first aid equipment and empowering your staff to deal with first aid situations confidently. First aid training is an excellent investment that can have long lasting benefits for your organisation, employees, customers and the local community.