HSE figures show importance of first aid training

It can be impossible to predict when medical emergencies will arise in the workplace, so it is crucial that there are always individuals on hand with the necessary knowledge and skill to deal with injuries and ill-health. This is why first aid at work training is so crucial.

Indeed, figures issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) draw attention to the importance of this issue.

It has revealed that between April 2011 and March 2012, a total of 22,433 major injuries such as amputations, fractures and burns occurred among workers in the UK. This was a rate of 89.9 injuries per 100,000 employees. Meanwhile, the average for the past five years is 27,170.

The HSE also noted that there were 88,731 other injuries serious enough to keep people off work for four or more days, a rate of 355.5 injuries per 100,000 employees.

In addition, an estimated 1.1 million people said they were suffering from an illness caused or made worse by their occupation. Of these, 452,000 were new illnesses occurring in-year.

Responding to the figures, HSE chair Judith Hackitt said: “Britain has earned the reputation of being one of the safest places in Europe to work, but there is still plenty of room for improvement. We need to ensure that we all focus on managing the real risks which lead to serious workplace harm.
“HSE remains committed to helping employers understand what they need to do to ensure workers can go home from their jobs safe and well without creating unnecessary paperwork and bureaucracy.”

As well as managing danger effectively, bosses must make sure that in the event of a medical emergency, there are individuals on hand who have had the relevant first aid training. This can save lives and minimise suffering. It is also a legal requirement.