Importance of First Aid Training to Employees
Many organisations try to cut costs by designating one or two employees on a floor or within a sector to receive first aid training. Considering the financial aspect of workplace injuries, providing first aid training to every employee will have a greater financial impact in the long run.
How do health and safety affect your business?
Accidents and health-related incidents can cause disruption of work, affect your profitability and 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?
Employees face a variety of risks every day whether the workplace is located on a construction site, in a factory or in a traditional office. Shock, bleeding, poisonings, burns, temperature extremes, musculoskeletal injuries, bites and stings, medical emergencies and distressed employees are the most common workplace accidents and emergencies.
It is not a matter of “if”, but a matter of “when” these workplace accidents will happen.
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 business owners 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. To establish a good workplace first aid response, these 3 aspects must be observed.
1. All safety measures are in place.
Create safety policies and procedures to identify and eliminate hazards in the workplace. Regularly review your WHS strategy to ensure new processes are covered and you are complying with the latest legislation.
2. First aid kits readily available
First aid kits, equipment’s and facilities must be in good working order and efficient. They must be identifiable, easily accessible and employees need to be advised of the location.
3. First Aid Training
It’s no good having the best first aid equipment if 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 to those businesses with high-risk environments.
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 thefirstaidcoursemelbourne.com.au or call 1300 029 132 for more information.