Health and safety at work can be a contentious topic. It shouldn’t be. There are still far too many accidents and even fatalities in British workplaces. Safety teams work tirelessly to educate workers, carry out risk assessments and eliminate hazards from the workplace. However, even with robust safety systems in place things still sometimes go wrong. And when they do everyone is grateful for the interventions of the office first aiders.
These are the people who help to make the workplace safer for everyone. On top of their usual role they volunteer to attend first aid training courses that equip them with the skills to make a difference. When something does go wrong they are the first people there. Their interventions help to prevent situations from becoming even worse. The skills they pick up during training sometimes save lives.
So who should think about volunteering to attend first aid courses? The answer. Anyone. There’s nothing to be daunted or worried about. A good course can take a total beginner and equip them with vital first aid skills that they can put to good use as soon as they are back in the office. As well as give them a new found sense of confidence.
Responsible employers recognise the need for trained first aiders and work closely with a recognised provider of first aid training. A one day course will take a total novice and show them easy but effective first aid techniques and interventions that they can use in the event of an emergency. It’s amazing just how much is covered in such a short space of time.
Never underestimate the importance of health and safety at work and make sure first aiders are trained up. An organisation will never know when their skills and knowledge might just save the day.