The Benefits of First Aid Training in The Workplace

The General Safety Regulations, which form part of The Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1993, require the appointment of Level One first aiders in the workplace. Where more than 5 employees are employed at a workplace, a first aid box must be provided for emergency use. The first aid equipment should be readily accessible and the name and contact details of the appointed first aider should be displayed on the box. Larger companies may have a first aid station, or first aid room which would provide a more private area for casualties to receive treatment.

The employer is required to appoint 1 first aider or every 50 employees, or 1 first aider for every 100 employees in the case of shops and offices. The employer would need to establish whether this would be sufficient to provide adequate response times in cases of emergency. In large premises, or in the case of shift workers, more first aiders would need to be trained. Employers would also need to do risk assessment in order to create and emergency plan. For example, the company may use hazardous chemicals which require specific first aid procedures in the event of exposure.

First aid training is essential in preparing an employee to become an emergency responder. Basic first aid techniques are well researched by medical professionals, and when applied effectively can be very effective in preventing injuries from becoming worse, improving recovery times, and saving lives. The National Occupational Safety and Health Consultancy (www.safetytraining.co.za) offers accredited first aid training from Levels 1 to 3. Our training is aligned to SAQA unit standards and approved by the HWSETA and Department of Labour. A basic Level 1 first Aid course covers the following modules:

A First Aid Level 1 training course covers the following modules:

• Ethics and legal responsibilities
• Human anatomy
• Safety in first aid
• Emergency scene management
• Shock, unconsciousness and fainting
• Choking
• Severe bleeding
• Environmental injuries
• CPR
• Fractures and joint injuries
• Burns
• head and spinal injuries
• Multiple casualty management
• Medical conditions

A trained first aider will have gained the practical skills to know exactly what to do in an emergency, and how to stabilize the casualty. Untrained individuals often react negatively and can even make the injuries worse by doing the wrong thing, or by not doing anything at all. Not only does first aid training assist with legal compliance, but can often make the difference between life and death. For more information on first aid training please visit our website at: http://www.safetytraining.co.za/First-Aid-Training.html or give us a call on 0861 111 232. We offer nationwide First Aid Training

We are an accredited training company specializing in Occupational Health and Safety. Established in 1986 in Kwa–Zulu Natal. We now operate nationally.