Whether a person is at home, on the streets, or in the workplace, there are always dangers to one’s safety and well-being. It is true for high-risk jobs and even when working in an office. The risk or likelihood may change, but these dangers are ever present. That is why first aid training is essential for staff in the workplace.
According to key WHS statistics from Safe Work Australia, there were approximately 200 workplace fatalities in 2021. Additional data compiled from both prior years also showed more than 120,000 serious claims resulting from workplace injuries.
Note that this figure is only for severe claims, making the accurate figure for workplace injuries even higher.
The unexpected always happens regardless of the safe work practices in place and how safe people act. Since it cannot be stopped, it is best to stay prepared with first aid.
Apart from assisting with injuries and illnesses, learning about first aid provides a slew of benefits to one’s fellow employees, the employer, and the company.
The Importance of First Aid Training for Businesses
Complies to Australian Laws
As an employer, you are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for your employees. This includes protecting them from physical, psychological, and emotional harm.
Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, employers are required to take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure the health and safety of their employees while at work. It means you must do everything in your power to minimise risks in the workplace and provide a safe working environment.
One way of meeting this requirement is by ensuring that first aid trained employees are readily available in an accident or emergency.
Australian law requires workplaces and businesses to have available facilities, equipment, and trained employees who can administer first aid when needed. First aid courses are often run by Registered Training Organisations and can be completed in as little as a day.
Helps Save Money
Injuries, whether they are caused by accidents or not, are costly. The cost of treating an injury can strain the budget of any business, no matter how big or small.
Apart from the medical expenses, other indirect costs are also to consider. For example, if an employee cannot work because of their injury, this will result in a lost opportunity. The company may also have to pay for replacement labour, which can cost more money in the long run.
At the same time, first aid also helps save money for the employees themselves. If employees are injured, they lose the opportunity to earn for themselves and their families. The work injury costs have an impact on people’s lives and society as a whole. Medical costs are also one cost that people are best left without.
By ensuring that first aid trained employees are available in the workplace, employees and businesses can minimise the financial impact of workplace injuries.
Ensures the Safety of Employees
The safety of employees should always be the top priority of any business. After all, a company is only as good as its people.
In providing first aid training courses to employees, you are helping to create a safe working environment and empowering your employees to take charge in an emergency situation.
In an accident or emergency, first aid trained employees will be able to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of their fellow employees. This includes administering first aid and calling for help when necessary.
At the same time, teaching the relevant first aid skills also helps promote a workplace safety culture. Employees who have been trained in first aid are more likely to be aware of potential hazards in the workplace and how to avoid them. This, in turn, reduces the likelihood of accidents and injuries occurring in the first place.
Creates a More Productive Work Environment
A productive workplace is one where employees can work without worrying about their safety.
With this training provided to employees, businesses are sending out a message that they care about their well-being and safety.
This, in turn, helps create a more positive and productive work environment by taking the worry out of the employee’s mind. Their energies can then be focused on the work at hand.
In addition, trained employees are also more likely to be able to deal with stress and anxiety. It is because they know they have the skills and knowledge to deal with any emergency that may arise from the hazards present.
As a result, they can better focus on their work and be more productive.
Provides Lifelong Skills
One interesting benefit of providing this training to employees is that it equips them with critical lifelong skills. Even when the employees are not in the office, the skills and knowledge learned from first aid courses can be used with anyone and anywhere in the world.
This is because first aid skills are universal and can be used to help anyone in need, regardless of age or nationality.
In addition, the skills are also valuable in other settings such as at home or when travelling. Employees who have undergone training will be able to use their skills outside the workplace, which can benefit them and their loved ones.
In effect, they are transformed into beacons of health and safety, ready to help any in need.
Saves Lives
Perhaps the most important reason first aid training is essential for staff in the workplace is that it saves lives.
In an accident or emergency, first aid trained employees will be able to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of their fellow employees. It includes administering effective first aid practices and knowing when it is time to seek higher medical assistance.
First aid can mean the difference between life and death in some situations. By providing first aid training courses to employees, businesses are giving them the skills and knowledge they need to save lives.
Too Many Benefits to Ignore
First aid training is vital for staff in the workplace for many reasons. It helps to ensure the safety of employees, creates a more productive work environment, provides lifelong skills, and saves lives.
Businesses that invest in first aid training courses for their employees are complying with Australian laws and helping to create a safer and more positive work environment for everyone. Overall, the various benefits that first aid training offers are too important to ignore and far outweigh the potential costs. It benefits the employees and extends to the employers, your loved ones, and even the fortunate people you meet in the outside world.
If you are a business or individual wondering where to learn first aid, look no further than CPR First Aid’s Courses in Mount Gravatt. Our courses are versatile and with regular and express durations available.
