Do Your Employees Need First Aid Training?

Many organisations try to cut costs by designating one or two employees to receive first aid training. Once you consider the financial aspect of workplace injuries, you will find out that providing training to every employee will have a greater financial impact in the long run.

How do health and safety affect your business?

No matter how much we prepare, accidents and health-related incidents cannot be avoided. These accidents can cause disruption of work, affect your profitability and worse, damage your business' reputation. It is indicated by the National Safety Council that in 1997, there were approximately 80 million lost workdays due to unintentional injuries. This costs the American businesses an astounding amount of $127 billion or an average of $980 per worker.

What is the best way to prepare your employees for a first aid emergency?

Your employees face a variety of risks every day whether your workplace is located in a construction site, in a factory or in a traditional office. Some of the common accidents that occur are bleeding, shock, poisonings, burns, temperature extremes, musculoskeletal injuries, bites, and stings.

It is not a matter of “if”, but a matter of “when” these workplace accidents will happen and cause some serious concerns to your business.

As an employer, you have the legal responsibility to prevent your workers from being harmed or becoming ill in the workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires every business owner to provide ‘adequate and appropriate’ first aid training, equipment and facilities to meet the WHS requirements in their state or territory.

“The outcome of occupational injuries depends not only on the severity of the injury but also on the rendering of first aid care," said OSHA.

You may take reasonable steps to ensure that employees receive prompt first-aid treatment in case of injury or emergency. By observing these 3 aspects, you can establish a good workplace first aid response that is not only beneficial to you, but to the employees as well.

All safety measures are in place.
Creating safety policies and procedures will identify and eliminate hazards in the workplace. You must regularly review your WHS strategy to ensure new processes are covered and you are complying with the latest legislation.

First aid kits, equipment, and facilities readily available
All equipment’s and facilities must be in good working order and they must be identifiable, easily accessible and employees need to be advised of the location.

First Aid Training
It’s no good having the best first aid equipment if your employees don’t know how to use it. First Aid Training for your employees will give them the confidence and skills to deal with emergencies, prevent further injury and save lives. Refresher sessions and up-to-date training register are also essential, especially if your business is in a high-risk environment.

A business that is not safe is not a productive, profitable and trustworthy business.

First Aid Training does not only satisfy your WHS requirements but fosters a good relationship between you and your employees. The employees are your most valuable assets and Investing in their safety is the smartest decision you can make.

 FirstAidPro is a Nationally Recognised Training Organization that works with over one hundred clients who are committed to creating a safe work environment. Visit http://brisbanefirstaidcourses.com.au.