St John Ambulance warns organisations against outdated first aid methods
St John Ambulance, the leading English first aid charity, has declared 2025 to be the year of holistic work place health. The charity warns that employers must address outdated first aid practices in the workplace if they want to protect their workers.
Employers are being encouraged to recognize that the traditional notion of workplace first-aid is outdated.
First aid no longer focuses on treating physical illnesses or injuries, or maintaining emergency kits. It now integrates both physical and mental first aid in order to keep workers safe holistically.
In the UK, between 2023 and 2024 there will be 33.7 million lost working days due to illness or injury at work. 16,4 million of these lost days were due to sickness caused by stress, depression or anxieties.
Lisa Sharman said, “Workplaces who do not upgrade their first aid approach to include mental health first-aid and a focus mental wellbeing are at significant risk of failing to provide comprehensive care for their staff.”
She said, “First Aid – both mental and physical – is an important component of employee well-being – and it will require a more sophisticated business approach in 2025.”
Mental health first aid is a way to identify, understand, and respond to mental health crises or issues. It also provides initial support, guidance, and professional help, if necessary.
Mental wellbeing is proactive maintenance of good mental health by implementing practices such as stress management, building resilience, and creating an environment that supports.
Mental health first aid and mental wellbeing complement each other. The former promotes health prevention, while the latter teaches people how to deal with issues effectively.
Mental and physical health are closely interconnected. In recent years the workplace has undergone a dramatic change. Health requirements have evolved, and employee expectations have changed.
A holistic workplace first-aid strategy includes physical health interventions, mental support, prevention training, and integrated wellbeing programmes.
By investing in holistic health, organisations can reduce incidents, and build more resilient and productive teams.
As we begin the new year, I am calling on organizations to adapt to actively contribute to increased employee resilience, reduced workplace accidents, and enhanced organisational health.
The cost of workplace illness to employers in England is rapidly increasing. The cost of doing business in 2022-2023 was PS21.6 billion. Of that, PS7.1 billion went to injuries at work and twice as much to illness.
St John Ambulance offers a variety of workplace physical and mental first aid courses that are designed to create competent and confident first aiders.
St John Ambulance also ranks as one of the best providers of first aid courses in England, with more than 40,000 reviews rating them 4.9 out 5 based on their course.
St John Ambulance Workplace first aid training courses range from basic First Aid to Emergency First Aid, including defibrillators and pediatrics, as well as annual refresher courses.
St John Ambulance Mental Health Training Courses include Mental Health Awareness, Manager training, Workplace first aider and Workplace first responder courses. These courses help workers recognize the signs of mental illness and provide the appropriate care.
The law requires employers to provide a safe work environment for their employees. The employer must take reasonable steps to prevent any personal injury, including mental or physical harm that could occur in the workplace. The latest Health and Safety Executive guidance can help employers address first aid provision in the workplace.
For more information, and to book a training course with St John Ambulance, visit https://www.sja.org.uk/biggest-difference1.
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