As a business owner, you have a responsibility to ensure the health and safety of your employees. One of the most important steps you can take to achieve this is to have a first aider on site who has undertaken accredited first aid at work training. A first aider is someone who is trained in basic first aid and can provide immediate assistance to those who have been injured or taken ill.
The Health and Safety Regulations 1981 require workplaces to provide adequate first –aid equipment, facilities and appointed first-aider so immediate help is available. Here’s why having a first aider on site is so essential for your business and why it is essential you invested in first aid at work training.
First Aid Saves Lives
In an emergency, every second counts. Having a first aider on site can mean the difference between life and death. A trained first aider can provide immediate assistance to someone who has stopped breathing, is choking, or is experiencing a heart attack. They can also provide first aid for injuries such as cuts, burns, and fractures. In many cases, first aid can stabilize the victim until the emergency medical services arrive.
Legal Requirements
In many countries, including the United Kingdom, it is a legal requirement for businesses to have a designated first aider on site. This is to ensure that employees receive immediate assistance in the event of an emergency. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in fines, legal action and even damage to your business’ reputation.
Reduced Risk of Accidents and Injuries
Having a first aider on site can also help to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries in the workplace. A first aider can identify potential hazards and take steps to mitigate them, such as providing training and implementing safety procedures. This can help to create a safer working environment for everyone.
Improved Employee Morale
Knowing that their employer takes their health and safety seriously can have a positive impact on employee morale. Employees are more likely to feel valued and appreciated if their employer provides a safe working environment and takes steps to protect their wellbeing. This can lead to increased job satisfaction, improved productivity and reduced staff turnover.
Cost Savings
Having a first aider on site can also lead to cost savings for your business. Immediate first aid can reduce the severity of injuries and illnesses, which can help to reduce the length of time that employees need to take off work. This can help to minimize the impact of absences on your business and reduce the cost of lost productivity.
In conclusion, having a first aider on site is essential for any business that wants to protect the health and safety of its employees. Not only is it a legal requirement in many countries, but it can also save lives, reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, improve employee morale, and lead to cost savings. By investing in first aid training at work and ensuring that there is always a designated first aider on site, you can help to create a safer, healthier, and more productive workplace.
AT ITS, we offer a QA Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work which can be completed in 3 days. This can be undertaken at our Portadown campus or a suitable site of your choice and is valid for 3 years. A refresher course and Emergency First Aid at Work training is also available.
For more information on First Aid courses offered at ITS visit: https://www.industrytrainingservices.com/training-courses/first-aid-course/
