Lisa Sharman is the National Head of Education & Commercial Training at St John Ambulance. She says that a holistic approach to workplace First Aid goes beyond compliance. She explores the benefits of workplace first aid for employee safety, wellbeing and productivity.
First aid in the workplace is more than just a checkbox to ensure compliance. It is a strategic investment which demonstrates the organisation’s commitment towards health, safety and well-being of its staff.
First aid programs that go beyond the legal requirements can help create safer workplaces, improve morale and increase productivity.
A comprehensive mental and physical health first aid plan can transform your organization, showing a real commitment to wellbeing. If done well, this signals a proactive attitude and can transform first aid from a system of emergency response into an integral part a healthy, supportive, and thriving culture.
More Than Just a Checkbox
First aid at work regulations are more than just a legal requirement. They are a vital part of employee safety and deserve serious consideration. The UK Health and Safety Executive mandates employers to provide first aid equipment and personnel, as well as facilities and services that are appropriate and adequate. This is in order to ensure employees receive immediate care if they become injured or ill while at work. All workplaces are affected, even those with less than five employees.
To tailor first aid requirements, employers must do a thorough assessment of their needs. They should consider workplace hazards and the size and distribution of their workforce. St John Ambulance offers a variety of tools that can help organizations meet regulations and simplify planning. These include online calculators to determine the number of first-aiders and first-aid kits recommended.
Attracting top talent
Employers are expected to create a supportive work environment that promotes wellbeing. The expectations of employers in terms of employee health have changed, with an increased focus on mental health. Nearly all (96%) of the employees surveyed by corporate wellbeing platform Gympass actively look for employers who prioritize wellbeing. 88% of UK workers now view wellbeing as as important as salary.
This shift is also reflected in the reputation of companies, as those that place a high priority on safety and mental well-being are seen more favorably by current and prospective employees. A culture of health and wellness, which includes mental health support and engagement, creates an inclusive and positive work environment.
In the competitive job market of today, an employer who is seen as supportive, caring and committed to employee wellbeing can attract top talent.
Offering comprehensive first aid training
The training equips people with the confidence and skills to save lives, whether at work or in their personal life.
St John Ambulance trainers often hear from participants how their first aid training saved lives. Jude, a headteacher and designated school first aider, knew how to protect a colleague during a seizure or loss of consciousness in the classroom. Mental health first aid Phil, a mental health first responder, was able support a colleague who was suicidal, citing that he learned how to listen.
These skills are not only useful in the workplace but also benefit families and communities. We can create a safer and more resilient environment by integrating physical and mental first aid and cultivating a care and readiness culture.
How to choose the best first aid training
It is possible to make a difference by developing confident and capable emergency responders. The best training programs go beyond the minimum standards of compliance, instilling vital skills and cultivating a deeper understanding of emergency response.
It is vital to ensure that participants are receiving the latest techniques and knowledge. While in the UK first aid certificates are typically valid for three years the HSE suggests that first aiders undergo annual refresher training. St John Ambulance and other accredited organizations offer high-quality training that creates capable, confident responders.
Four practical steps for implementing first aid training
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Perform a comprehensive risk assessment at the workplace
Each workplace is different, so it is important to conduct a thorough assessment of the risks and identify any potential hazards. This will also help determine what first aid is required. It is important to revisit this assessment regularly, ideally once a year, in order to make sure that it takes into account any changes, hazards or new risks. This will help you determine the level of training in first aid and the equipment required.
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Create an online training schedule
Ensure that employees are regularly trained in the latest first aid techniques for both mental and physical health, including annual refreshers. This will maintain their confidence and skills when dealing with emergencies.
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Ensure you have the right equipment
Defibrillators, first aid kits and other essential medical supplies must be easily accessible, readily available and up-to-date. It’s not enough to just install the equipment. Someone needs to be responsible for regularly checking it to ensure it is fully stocked, and in good working order.
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Integrate employee wellness initiatives with first aid training
First aid is part of a larger strategy that should include mental health support, stress management and mental health literacy. This culture will affect all aspects of the organisation.
First Aid for the Future
It is not just about complying with the minimum legal requirements. First aid in the workplace is an investment that creates a safer and more supportive work environment.
Organisations can foster a culture that promotes productivity and satisfaction by training their colleagues on how to recognize, prevent and respond to physical and mental challenges.
First aid training has many benefits that go beyond just compliance. It shows your organization values its employees’ health, and creates a more resilient, competent, and engaged workforce.
Learn more about St John Ambulance’s courses by clicking here.
The first time HR News published the post Beyond Compliance – Four steps to transform workplace safety and employee well-being.
