Statistics show that approximately 60% of workplace accidents happen due to a lack of first-aid training. This training can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency. In the UK, it is a legal requirement for all businesses to provide first aid training to their employees.
Additionally, first aid training can help to boost morale in the workplace. Employees who feel confident handling an emergency are more likely to be productive and engaged in their work.
How First-Aid Education Can Benefit Your Business
Safety is an utmost priority regardless of which industry your business is in. Providing updated workplace first-aid training to your employees can help to create a safer work environment for everyone.
In an accident or emergency, having trained first-aiders on hand can ensure that the situation is dealt with calmly and efficiently. This can help to minimise the amount of downtime for your business in the event of an accident.
First-aid training can also benefit your business in terms of insurance premiums. Many insurers offer discounts for companies that have up-to-date first-aid training. This can help to reduce the overall cost of running your business.
Ensuring your employees are trained in first aid is essential to being a responsible employer. First-aid training can help to keep your employees safe and productive, and it could end up saving you money in the long run.
Some of the benefits of having trained first-aiders in your workplace include the following:
➔ Improved Productivity
When your employees or team knows that someone is trained in first aid, they feel more comfortable and can focus on their work better. This can lead to improved productivity in the workplace.
➔ Reduced Downtime
Regardless of how minor, most accidents can cause a significant amount of downtime for businesses. Having someone on hand who is trained in first aid can help to minimise this downtime and get your business back up and running as quickly as possible.
➔ Peace of Mind
Knowing that your employees are trained in first aid can give you peace of mind as an employer. You’ll see that they can handle any emergency that may arise. From a legal standpoint, you’ll also be protected if an accident does occur.
➔ Safer Workspace
Your employees think about their safety while they’re at work. Providing them with first-aid training shows that you are invested in their safety and well-being. This can help to create a safer and more positive workplace for everyone.
➔ Discounted Insurance premiums
As mentioned, many insurance companies offer discounts to businesses with up-to-date first-aid training. This can help to reduce the overall cost of running your business.
➔ Improved Morale
When your employees feel confident in their ability to handle an emergency, it can improve workplace morale. This boost in morale can translate into increased productivity and engagement from your team.
Which Type Of Training Is Right For Your Business?
There are a few different types of work-related first-aid training available, so it’s essential to choose the right one for your business. The kind of training you choose will depend on the size of your business and the industry you’re in.
For small businesses, it’s often best to send employees on a one-day course. This will give them the basic skills and knowledge needed to deal with an emergency.
For larger businesses, it may be necessary to have a designated first-aid team. This team should include employees who have completed a more comprehensive first-aid training course. These employees can then act as first responders in an accident or emergency.
It’s also essential to ensure that your first-aid training is up to date. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends that all businesses have their workplace first-aiders re-trained every three years. This helps ensure they are updated with the latest techniques and procedures.
How Many First-Aiders Does Your Business Need?
The number of first-aiders your business needs will depend on several factors, including the size of your business, the industry you’re in, and the risks associated with your workplace.
As a general rule of thumb, you should have one workplace first-aider for every 50 employees. However, this may vary depending on the specific requirements of your business.
It’s also worth noting that not all businesses are required by law to have workplace first-aiders. However, it’s always best to err on caution and ensure that you have at least one trained first-aider in your workplace.
Final Words
Although accidents are inevitable, as business owners, you need to invest in first-aid training to ensure that your employees are prepared for any emergency. Workplace first-aiders have many benefits, including reduced downtime, improved morale, and discounted insurance premiums.
When choosing a first-aid training course for your business, choose one that is right for the size of your business and the industry you’re in. You should also ensure that your workplace first-aiders are re-trained every three years to keep them up to date with the latest techniques and procedures.
