The Workplace Benefits of First Aid Training
Not every job is dangerous, but every employer is responsible for the safety of their employees in the workplace. One of the best ways for employers to meet their legal and moral obligations to their employees is to provide first aid training to employees. Having employees trained provides benefits that aren’t always obvious. In this article we’ll look at some of the ways that first aid training can benefit both employers and employees.
Benefits of first aid training for employers
1. Faster response during an emergency
In the event of an emergency, a fast employee response can save lives. Employees trained in first aid will understand the steps to take during an emergency, thanks to increased confidence and preparation. A quick response can reduce recovery time, leading to less time lost from injuries.
2. Reduce workplace accidents through awareness
First aid training helps employees learn to be more conscious of safety in the workplace, leading to a reduced number of accidents and injuries. Minimizing risk to workers and decreasing workplace incidents is a benefit to everyone, but for employers, it has implications within all aspects of business operations. Safety training and increased awareness will have life-saving results for your organization.
3. A more positive work environment
By making first aid training available to employees, employers can show their workforce that they care about providing a safe work environment. First aid training provided in the workplace can even be used as an excellent team-building exercise and morale booster.
Benefits of first aid training for employees
1. Safety in the workplace
Employees benefit from others around them receiving first aid training because it keeps them safer. Besides the benefits to employers that we’ve already noted, a safe work environment is an attractive benefit for employees.
2. Safety at home
Training in first aid is just as useful outside of the workplace. Knowing first aid could someday help to save the life of a friend or family member. First aid training is especially important for anyone living with someone at risk of cardiac arrest.
3. Safety while working alone
First aid training can teach employees how to properly use first aid kits, and to stay calm during an emergency. These skills are important for providing first aid to others, but for employees who work alone, these same skills could help buy time until help can arrive.
First aid and CPR
First aid and CPR go hand in hand. Depending on your identified safety hazards and risks, one or several of your team may need to go through CPR and first aid training which can be focused on the work setting and within an occupational safety context.
Occupational first-aid resources
There are a number of great occupational first aid and CPR training resources from the American Red Cross, the Canadian Red Cross as well as St John Ambulance, and the National Safety Council.