Does your job require first aid training?

First aid training, as a requirement for workers, is a matter of compliance, specifically to the Work Health and Safety Act (WHS Act) and Work Health and Safety Regulations.

Your employer may require you to undertake first aid training.

Possibly your workplace already has a first aid office with a nurse or first aid officer on duty. In this case, is your first aid training even necessary?

First aid training, as a requirement for workers, is a matter of compliance, specifically to the Work Health and Safety Act (WHS Act) and with Work Health and Safety Regulations.

Essentially, Australian law requires workplaces to provide employees with access to first aid equipment and facilities, as well as to trained personnel to administer first aid.

Hiring a person specifically to provide first aid could not be expected to cover all hours of business throughout the year. The sensible option would be for a number of employees to take first aid courses.

Employers need to nominate a first aid officer to oversee and conduct duties related to first aid. This officer would inspect safety practices and measures in the workplace, and investigate the cause of any workplace accident or sickness.

Having several workers trained in first aid allows the employer to choose from a pool of candidates at any given time.

But wait, there are other benefits to this policy of first aid training in the workplace…

It speeds emergency response times

The recovery – if not the survival – of the victim in a workplace emergency, often hinges on how quickly first aid is administered. The more people within proximity who have the skills and knowledge to administer first aid, the better.

In this scenario, there would be no need to wait on a first aid officer or an on-duty nurse. People who are first aid trained and ready to come to the aid of affected individual, will be only seconds away.

Workplace safety awareness

First aid qualified employees gain a better understanding of workplace health and safety. They become acutely aware of the potential for injuries and conditions in the workplace that need to be maintained in order to prevent mishaps.

This first aider’s perspective then helps increase awareness among fellow workers. The end result is a safer workplace.

Employee morale

Employers who implement first aid training are prioritising the welfare and safety of their workforce. This is a positive statement that contributes to employee morale.

Additionally, employees with first aid certification also means their family, friends and neighbours will benefit by having an able-bodied first responder in the community.

No one will ever tell you a business with good employee morale will be less productive.

Fewer workplace injuries

Workplace accidents and injuries are costly to employers. Critical staff are sidelined.

There are administrative tasks needed around medical support, insurance claims, and first aid propriety. Production can be interrupted and delayed.

Investing in first aid

First aid training for employees is a positive investment. It results in a workplace that is safer and more productive with fewer accidents and delays.

It also gives employees practical life skills they could use outside of work, in their homes with families and loved ones. It’s sure to be appreciated if misfortune were to occur.

Business must

If you’re required to do first aid training for your job, consider it a privilege and take the training seriously. You’ll gain knowledge and skills that could save someone’s life. When things get out of hand, you’ll keep a cool head and know what to do.

In terms of quality training, look no further. Australia Wide First Aid is an officially accredited and nationally registered training organisation.

We offer courses in CPR, Provide First Aid, and Child Care First Aid and won’t hesitate to match anyone’s price.

In fact, we’ll beat any price for accredited first aid training by 10%.