Setting the standard for workplace first aid
While many may believe workplace first aid training is reserved for manual trades in blue-collar industries, having a first aid plan in place across white and pink-collar industries is equally as important.
Leading by example is Perth’s Aloft Hotel, with the company achieving its third St John Safe accreditation in as many years.
“Health and safety is really important, and obviously the safety of our guests and the safety of our staff is paramount for us,” said Aloft general manager Andrew White.
“We are the only hotel who has been accredited all three years in a row, so that is fantastic and we are really proud of that achievement.”
Hitting the ground running
Complex director of HR John Parker said Aloft started on the front foot by engaging St John WA upon the hotel’s opening.
“They came on board and gave us a brief of what we needed in this hotel,” Mr Parker said.
“Currently we have 4 defibrillators on site and we have a number of first aid kits which are serviced every month as well.
“Being the only one in WA that has been accredited for the third year running is fantastic.”
St John WA First Aid Team Leader Kurtis Rae explained that the program assists different workplaces in becoming first aid ready.
“The first aid specialist assessed their whole hotel on their first aid training needs, equipment requirements and what processes they already had and how they could improve on those,” Mr Rae said.
“We are incredibly proud of their position in WA as a St John safe hotel and I think the rest of the industry should follow them.
“They can save lives and the rest of the industry should be able to as well.”
Duty of care
According to Safe Work Australia’s First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice, a person conducting a business or undertaking has the primary duty under the Work Health and Safety Act to ensure workers and other persons are not exposed to risks arising from the business or undertaking.
As part of this responsibility, the workplace should have easy access to first aid equipment and an adequate number of workers should be trained to administer first aid for the size and risk level of your organisation.
Staggeringly, only 13% of employers are compliant with this code of practice, while only 31% of Australians feel confident responding to a workplace first aid emergency.
“Workplaces are inherently risky and employers have an obligation to mitigate this risk,” St John WA General Manager Aaron Harding said.
“All employees, clients and suppliers should feel safe and confident in the first aid readiness of the work place.”
126 years of experience in caring for the WA community
St John WA offers unparalleled flexibility with 12 locations in the metro area and over 100 locations across the state.
“We adhere to clinical excellence with our trainers – we provide a superior quality in first aid training through our connection to the College of Pre Hospital Care that trains the state ambulance paramedics,” Mr Harding said.
As well as equipping participants with the ability to perform appropriate first aid procedures and basic life support skills in the workplace, the training course offers staff members the opportunity to bond and work together.
Mr Harding said first aid training was not limited to workplaces that are required to train their workforce for legislative requirements, or for award/company policy reason.
“Being proactive in first aid is a great initiative for the workforce… so that they feel safe in their work environment and empowered to act,” Mr Harding said.
“Training allows participants to feel confident and prepared to provide a first aid response to any situation.”
This applies to courses provided beyond November, so long as the booking is made before the end of the month.
Call our team now on (08) 9334 1233 or book online.
