Why is first aid training vital in the workplace?

Even when we do our best to minimise risks in the workplace with effective safety measures, there is no way to completely eliminate the potential for accidents and injuries to occur.

Mistakes can happen regardless of the industry your business is in and it is possible for medical episodes to strike at any time.

“Individuals spend so much time in the workplace that there is a strong likelihood of an incident occurring during the working day,” explains St John WA First Aid Training Team Leader Nadine McLoughlin.

“By having staff trained in first aid, should an incident occur then they are better placed to manage it and provide immediate assistance.

“Some workplaces are remote or work outside of normal office hours and as such could have a longer wait time for help to arrive.

“By having qualified first aiders, they are able to provide first aid whilst awaiting the arrival of the ambulance.”

Compliance with Safe Work Australia

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.

The code of practice states: “providing immediate and effective first aid to workers or others who have been injured or become ill at the workplace may reduce the severity of the injury or illness.”

“In some cases it could mean the difference between life and death.

“This means workers must have access to first aid equipment and workers trained to administer first aid appropriate for the risks identified at their workplace.”

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.

“I used to work for an organisation that suffered two heart attacks in short succession and it highlighted the lack of first aid knowledge within the portfolio,” Ms[1]  McLoughlin said.

“This caused considerable stress to the individuals involved and highlighted to management that they needed to increase their first aider pool.

“The portfolio went from having minimal first aiders to more and introduced first aid scenarios as part of the emergency drills.”

It can be difficult to know if you are first aid ready, which is why St John WA conducts Safe Assessments to assist workplaces in determining their first aid training, equipment, facility and procedural requirements.

Once the team has identified your needs, they will help to create a bespoke first aid training and services package to ensure your workplace is ready to deal with a first aid emergency.

“We offer a range of products from kit servicing, St John Safe assessments to training and first aid drills,” Ms McLoughlin said. 

“All of these formulate a puzzle that when connected together provide an exceptional experience to the client and is similar to a one stop shop.”

Cost-effective first aid training

While some organisations may be put off by the initial cost of first aid training, they may be surprised to discover it could save money and productivity in the long run.

Training will not only provide staff with potentially life-saving skills, but increase their awareness of hazards related to their work. This in itself can help to decrease the rate of injuries, with less workers taking time off to recover.

This is not to mention the potential legal costs which could be incurred if an employee or visitor is injured in the workplace and they do not receive adequate care as a result of non-compliance.

The cost-conscious can take advantage of the 20% discount applied to St John WA’s workplace first aid courses on offer for bookings made before November 30.

Empower your employees with first aid training

By providing your staff with first aid training, you are empowering them with the ability to save the lives of their colleagues.

In an emergency situation, the first five minutes are crucial. Delays in providing first aid will lead to the worsening of the victim’s condition, which could prove to be fatal.

By training with St John WA, your staff will be equipped with the skills, confidence and hands-on experience to preserve life before paramedics arrive on site. 

“First aid is a life skill that can be used in any situation both in and outside of the workplace,” Ms McLoughlin said.

“Learning first aid gives individuals the confidence to step up and administer live saving skills when it matters and has the potential to save someone’s life.

“I recently received some feedback from a participant who had attended a first aid course and shortly after, had put their skills and knowledge into practice in managing their own infant choking.

“They remarked that due to the level of training and confidence afforded to the participants throughout the day, she was able to transfer that skill to her own child.”

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. 

Book your Workplace First Aid course today

Make a booking before November 30 to receive 20% off the total cost of our St John WA workplace first aid courses.

This applies to courses provided beyond November, so long as the booking is made before the end of the month.

“St John would like First Aid to be a part of everyone’s life,” Ms McLoughlin said.

“In doing this we become more resilient within the community and are able to work together to provide an effective outcome.”

Call our team now on (08) 9334 1233 or enter the discount code FIRSTAID20 when booking online.