First-aid plays an important role in the workplace, but first aid training for the workplace is often overlooked.
Origin of First-aid
Around 150 years ago, an idea was born via a battle in northern Italy, an idea that has since changed the world. A young Geneva businessman, Henry Dunant, witnessed mortifying suffering and agony after the battle of Solferino.
He organised the civilian population, mainly women and girls, to care for the wounded of their role in the battle. He took care of them with the needed materials and supplies and also helped develop temporary hospitals.
Here are some of the benefits of making first aid training a requirement in the workplace.
Adhering to Legislation
Because of the legal requirements that need to be met, it can be really useful for your employees to undertake first-aid training. Employer’s legal duties are covered via The Health and Safety Regulations 1981:
“The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to ensure their employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work. These Regulations apply to all workplaces including those with less than five employees and to the self-employed”. – hse.gov.uk
Meets Industry Standards
Dedicated first-aid programmes let your company tailor training to your workplace, risk management strategy, financial constraints and the industry which you’re in.
An example of this would be that a first-aid programme for a large office would be tailored much more different than a programme for a home development firm. Creating your own first-aid training means you can make sure the programme is both effective and current and meets the requirements of your business.
Cost
Apart from time, this is the major expense when you decide to undertake first-aid training. The number of sessions and participants can greatly affect the overall cost. If you want to cut costs, companies will designate one or two employees within a sector to receive the first-aid training. But if you put the financial effects of a first-aid course against the cost of workplace injuries, providing training for everyone will reduce accident numbers and severity, which will have a better financial impact for the long term.
Morale of Employees
Keeping employee morale up is an important thing for any company; higher morale breeds positive attitudes which will lead to positive results. Keeping your employees happy and looked after will help you build a stronger relationship, which will result in a more positive work environment.
The Practical Benefits
First-aid courses will bring obvious benefits to your workforce including:
- Employees become more safety aware, which should bring down the number of accidents
- First-aid saves lives, especially when grave injuries occur and action is taken. Training gives them the knowhow of how to manage an emergency without confusion or fear.
- First-aiders will know what’s in a first-aid kit and what the tools are used for.
- Trainees will know how to perform CPR.
Providing first aid training won’t cost much, but it does go a long way in ensuring the health and safety of your workforce.
