The Importance of First Aid Training in the Workplace
Learning first aid is more than just ticking a box on your workplace health and safety forms. It is a vital skill that can quite literally be the difference between life and death.
Yet a study by the British Red Cross shows that only 4 in 10 people in the UK feel confident stepping in to help during a first-aid emergency (Opinium, July 2023, nationally representative 2,000 UK adults). That’s a worrying figure, especially in workplaces like construction sites, warehouses, and outdoor environments where the risk of injury is higher.
So, ask yourself: if an emergency situation strikes at work, would you, and/or your employees, be prepared? And if the answer is no, read on. We're here to share more about why first aid training courses should be top of your list for workplace safety.
Disclaimer: The information in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice or official Health & Safety guidance for the workplace. For professional advice, please consult with qualified experts or official health and safety authorities.
What is First Aid?
First things first, let's just give a brief overview of what we mean when we talk about first aid.
First aid is about providing immediate care when someone is injured or becomes ill.
It might be applying pressure to a wound to help control the bleeding. It might be putting an unconscious person in the recovery position to protect their airways. It might be, in a medical emergency, doing CPR on someone having a cardiac arrest.
These are just some examples of where you could help someone should they need it - and all it takes is a few days out of your schedule to learn lifesaving skills.
Overview of First Aid at Work
In the United Kingdom, businesses must comply with the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, which set out the requirements for first aid provision.
Whether you’re a small team or a large organisation, and whether you work in a low-risk workplace or constantly around hazards, the regulations still apply - although, naturally, the requirements for each may differ. For example, if you have five employees working in an office, the risks are, on average, a lot lower than in a busy warehouse with 50+ staff, forklifts, and all sorts of stock. So, the former might only need one person first-aid trained, whereas the latter may need several.
It is the employer’s responsibility to source first aid equipment and facilities, and appoint trained personnel, to ensure that employees receive immediate help if they are injured or taken ill at work. If you're unsure of what requirements should be in place for your workplace, we recommend checking out the HSE website.
Types of Emergencies Workers May Face
While many first aid incidents at work involve minor injuries - like cuts, burns, or sprains - more serious accidents can, and do, happen.
In environments like construction sites, warehouses, or outdoor workspaces, workers face a variety of risks daily. These include:
- Falls from heights: Particularly common in construction, where scaffolding, ladders, and roofs create potential hazards.
- Heavy lifting injuries: Musculoskeletal injuries, such as those to ligaments or joints, are common in manual labour jobs.
- Exposure to hazardous materials: Some workplaces involve dangerous chemicals or substances that can cause burns or respiratory issues.
- Power tool injuries: In industrial settings, improper use of equipment or machinery can result in serious injury.
This list is not exhaustive, and the risks faced will depend on the environment you work in.
Statistics on Workplace Injuries and Emergencies
The Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) 2022/23 report paints a clear picture of why first aid training is critical in the workplace.
Some key numbers from the report that are worth bearing in mind are:
- 1.8 million workers suffer from a work-related illness.
- 138 workers were killed in work-related accidents.
- 561,000 working people sustained an injury at work.
- £20.7 billion: the estimated cost of injuries and ill health from current working conditions.
Particularly at risk are workers in agriculture, construction, and wholesale/retail trade, where the rates of workplace accidents and injuries are statistically higher than in other sectors. These industries are also the ones where quick access to first aid can make a crucial difference.
5 Key Benefits of First Aid Training for Employees
We know it's all well and good to talk about these figures and statistics, but it's important to really understand what they mean in terms of real-life situations.
The main point to make is that equipping workers with some essential knowledge can prevent a minor incident from turning into a major emergency.
It's not about training people to become paramedics or experts, it's training them to be able to respond with confidence, and to give them enough information that they can help to the best of their ability until the medical professionals get there.
The significant advantages of giving formal training to employees are:
- Life-Saving Intervention: With proper first aid training, employees can respond quickly in critical situations like choking, heart attacks, or severe injuries like broken bones or cuts, significantly increasing the chances of survival.
- Improving Communication with Emergency Services: First aiders learn how to communicate effectively, ensuring accurate information is passed on to help guide medical treatment.
- Meeting Legal Requirements for a Safer Workplace: By offering first aid training, employers ensure they comply with health and safety regulations, creating a more secure and positive work environment for everyone.
- Stabilising Injuries Before Help Arrives: First aiders can provide crucial care to prevent an injury from getting worse, keeping the situation under control until emergency services arrive. This can also then lead to improved recovery times for an injured person.
- Easing Pain and Discomfort: Trained staff can use basic first aid techniques to alleviate pain, whether it’s cooling a burn or applying a bandage or ice pack, while also offering emotional reassurance during stressful moments.
Unexpected situations happen all the time, so don't brush it off thinking that it won't happen in your workplace. Touch wood, it won't - but it's better to be safe than sorry.
First aid courses have huge benefits to employers and employees. Plus, the knowledge isn't limited to just the work environment, it can be used at home and in shared public spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions About First Aid at Work
There might be some questions floating around your head right now, so, before we wrap things up, let's take a look at the answers to some usual queries below.
What Are the Different Types of First Aid Courses?
One common misconception is that first aid training requires employees to be "out of office" for extended periods.
In reality, there are a variety of training options to suit different needs. For example, we use British Red Cross First Aid Courses and they offer the following:
- Emergency First Aid at Work: A one-day course that covers essential first aid skills. This is often the minimum requirement for workplaces with identified first aid needs.
- First Aid at Work: A more comprehensive three-day course for workplaces that require in-depth first aid knowledge due to higher risks.
- First Aid Annual Skills Update: A refresher course recommended by the Health and Safety Executive to keep skills sharp.
- First Aid for Appointed Persons: A short course for workplaces where a full-time first aider isn’t required but basic first aid knowledge is necessary.
- Paediatric First Aid: This two-day course is for those caring for babies and children in settings like nurseries or as nannies. It meets the requirements for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
- Emergency Paediatric First Aid: A one-day course for childcare professionals, especially those just starting out, which focuses on the key skills needed in early years settings.
They have more than 150 training venues nationwide, and for groups of up to 12 people, they can even come to you for on-site training.
Alongside these accredited courses, the Red Cross also runs free first aid workshops for individuals and schools, and offers lots of videos online to give you some basic knowledge. There is also a free app you can download for anyone wanting to stay up to date or refresh their knowledge after completing a course.
What Should Be in a First Aid Kit?
A well-stocked first aid kit should include items like bandages, antiseptics, scissors, adhesive tape, sterile gloves, and burn treatments.
Checking the kit is regularly stocked (and with which exact items for your workplace) should be part of your workplace's Health & Safety practices.
The British Red Cross also advise having a defibrillator on site too - learn more about why here.
How Long Do First Aid Certificates Last?
Most first aid certificates last for three years, but it’s recommended that workplace first aiders complete an annual refresher course to keep their skills sharp.
What does CPR Stand For in First Aid?
CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. It is a life-saving procedure that combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to help restart a person’s heart or breathing if they have stopped.
It's not as easy as it looks on TV, so don't be fooled into thinking you can do it just because you saw it on screen!
Summary
Hollands is all about kitting you out with the best workwear to keep you protected and comfortable on the job, but we know that a properly safe work environment starts with first aid training. If your workplace doesn’t yet have certified first aiders, now is the time to change that.
Visit the British Red Cross website, or any other accredited programmes, and get booked in. It could just save someone's life.
About the Author
Matthew Holland brings a wealth of expertise to the world of workwear. With an extensive background in warehousing and outdoor work, he possesses an intricate understanding of the high-quality, functional garments needed for the demands of the workplace. Using his hands-on experience and knowledge gained, he continues to contribute valuable insights that resonate with professionals seeking superior workwear across various industries.
