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Prevent Injuries and Accidents with First Aid at Work Training
August 7, 2020
First Aid Requirements for Employers
If someone falls ill or suffers an injury at work, it’s the employer’s responsibility to ensure they receive immediate medical attention. Accidents can happen at any time, and correctly utilising first aid kits and skills can prevent minor injuries from manifesting into major ones. Most importantly, first aid can save lives.
Employers should make suitable arrangements to ensure first aid precautions are taken for their respective workplaces. Different environments pose varying risks, and appropriate arrangements should be made to make sure first aid emergencies can be dealt with. Lower-risk workplaces should at least have a first aid box or bag, and a nominated person to take charge of first aid situations. While they do not need to have specific first aid training, there are numerous advantages of having this in their repertoire.
For more hazardous or dangerous workplaces, someone with recognised first aid qualifications is legally obligated to be on-site. Therefore, if your needs assessment highlights that one or more people attend a first aid course, you should spare no time in speaking to first aid training providers like ATR.
Some workplace accidents may be minor and easily treatable, but others might need additional care and attention, the procedures of which can be taught properly in specialised work first aid courses. If you are still unsure, we’ve highlighted some common workplace first aid scenarios which people may need to deal with. This is also to give you some perspective of why a recognised three or one-day first aid course will help to prevent injuries from worsening or happening again in the future.
Common First Aid Scenarios in the Workplace
- Lacerations and cuts
Whether a minor scratch or a deeper cut, if there is an excessive amount of blood, the emergency services should be called immediately. As a rule of thumb, if the bleeding doesn’t stop within 10 minutes of constant, firm pressure, you should call an ambulance. Deep lacerations can cause severe bleeding, which may require more than what is in a standard first aid bag.
- Burns and scalds
If someone suffers a scald or a burn, you should move them away from the heat source quickly and safely. Using cold or lukewarm water to cool the burned area of the body is recommended, but not ice-cold water or creams.
You should not attempt to remove anything which is stuck to the skin. Many minor burns can be treated promptly using first aid equipment, but serious burns (such as chemical or electrical burns) should be treated by a qualified first aid professional.
- Falls, slips and trips
If someone falls at work, firstly you should establish how serious that injury is. If they cannot walk away, you may need to take further action and assess whether they have suffered a severe injury (see trauma first aid).
If they are not breathing, you will obviously need to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). If they are breathing, then you’ll need to put them into the recovery position.
If you suspect they have landed on their neck or spine, then you should not attempt to move them and leave it to the paramedics.
- Machinery accidents
Heavy machinery has been known to cause serious and debilitating injuries. Although rare, some severe injuries to the head or spine can (and do) happen.
Upon discovery, you should switch off any machinery and clear any space if necessary to ensure no further risks while someone administers first aid.
- Loss of consciousness
Unconsciousness can be caused by a multitude of things and can last for a few moments or longer.
You’ll need to check whether the person is breathing, remove any restrictive clothing if necessary, and ensure airways are not blocked. First aid training teaches you how to ensure this is done safely and promptly.
Work First Aid Courses Available
You may very well take great care to prevent accidents at work, and having staff fully-trained in first aid will ensure that if anything happens, you have people on hand who can respond and deliver emergency care. ATR offer dedicated First Aid at Work and Emergency First Aid at Work courses, which can be tailored specifically to your workplace environment. These then prepare your staff with the first aid skills and knowledge they need to react proactively and efficiently.
First Aid at Work Course (3 Days)
The recognised Level 3 First Aid at Work course gives delegates the knowledge and abilities to help someone who is bleeding, burned, unresponsive and much more.
Emergency First Aid at Work Course (1 Day)
The Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work training lasts for one day. While it doesn’t cover everything the standard 3-day first aid course does, it covers some similar topics.
Speak to ATR to find the best first aid training course for you.
ATR are not just specialist training and service providers, but for organisations that require authorised first aid equipment, we have products available via our shop.
