The Workplace Benefits of First Aid Training
Table of Contents
Benefits of first aid training for employers
How first aid training benefits employees on and off the job
How to implement first-aid training
First aid and CPR: why both matter for workplace safety
Top resources for occupational first aid and CPR training
Lone Worker FAQs
Thousands of people die every year because people generally do not have the first aid skills to save them. However, in the potentially dangerous workplace, employers must make sure workers are prepared and have the first aid skills for possible accidents and whatever lies ahead.
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.
How first aid training benefits employees on and off the job
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.
How to implement first-aid training
In order for first aid training to resonate and become more than just a compliance requirement, organizations must follow additional, practical steps to create a more prepared – and adaptive – work environment and culture.
Assess workplace hazards
In order for organizations to truly understand the specific risks their lone workers are facing and therefore, the safety training they require, they should perform a hazard assessment to document all existing (and potential) safety hazards. You can use the hazard assessment document to determine the level and type of training. For example, basic first aid versus advanced CPR.
Choose certified training providers
While it is definitely achievable for employers to plan and conduct safety training sessions themselves, it is not advisable because teaching a DIY safety training course could be risky. Using a certified training provider ensures safety compliance as well as improved safety and productivity because professionals are teaching the material.
Schedule refresher courses
Once the safety training has finished, it does not mean it has been completed. In order for lone workers and employees to retain the key knowledge and information, provide refresher training, which researchers say can regain skill proficiency in workers and prevent “knowledge decay.”
Provide safety tools and technology
Even if an employee or lone worker knows first aid, they may need help that only automation and technology can provide, including fall detection as well as real-time emergency alerts and monitoring for medical issues which are much greater threat when working alone.
First aid and CPR: Why both matter for workplace safety
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.
Top resources for occupational first aid and CPR training
There are a number of great occupational first aid and CPR training resources available for employers from the American Red Cross, the Canadian Red Cross as well as St John Ambulance, and the National Safety Council. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recommendations and standards for first aid programs. The Canadian Centre of Occupational Safety (CCOHS) has a number of resources including Canadian legislation and a sample checklist for a first aid assessment.
Ready to improve workplace safety? Learn more about SafetyLine Lone Worker
Lone Worker FAQs
Why is first aid training important for lone workers?
Lone workers often operate without immediate assistance, so first aid training equips them to handle emergencies until help arrives. It can save lives and reduce injury severity.
What safety training should lone workers receive?
In addition to first aid and CPR, lone workers should be trained in hazard awareness, emergency communication, and using safety monitoring tools like SafetyLine.
How does SafetyLine help protect lone workers?
SafetyLine is a lone worker monitoring solution that ensures employees working alone can check in regularly and alert supervisors if they miss a check-in or face an emergency.
Is CPR training necessary for lone workers?
Yes. CPR training is highly recommended for lone workers because they may need to assist themselves or others during a cardiac emergency before professional help arrives.