Returning to The Office? Don’t Forget to Make First Aid Arrangements

With a return to the office finally back on the cards for many businesses, it’s likely you’ve got a lengthy to-do list to get through. Since the pandemic, COVID-secure measures have been top of everyone’s agenda, but that’s not to say you should forget about your basic first aid standards.

Why? Well aside from saving lives, there’s a number of other benefits that come from being compliant. Here, we detail the importance of having a designated first aider, and explain the training options available.

The legal aspects

In the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, it states that you must supply sufficient (and suitable) first aid equipment, facilities, and people. This is to ensure that anyone who’s injured or taken ill receives immediate help. Not only that, it’s also recommended that these skills are kept up to date through annual refresher courses, so it’s worth checking when your first aider last took part in training.

Ignoring these first aid requirements isn’t a smart move. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been known to name and shame employers who don’t meet the minimum standards. And, in the event of a serious injury or death, they may even conduct an investigation.

How will you benefit?

• Your company’s reputation

If you don’t have the appropriate first aid measures in place, not only are you putting your employees’ lives at risk, you’re also harming your business. Potential accidents aside, if word gets out that your company isn’t taking first aid seriously, its reputation is likely to suffer.

Having one – or a number of – designated first aiders can change things for the better. Existing staff and new recruits feel valued, while your credibility as an employer soars. What’s more, those who undertake the training like that they’re able to treat accidents outside the workplace too.

• Total peace of mind

It goes without saying that having someone on hand should an accident take place gives the entire workforce peace of mind. Staff feel safe in the knowledge that there’s a team member with the necessary skills. Meanwhile, the designated first aider can promote a general awareness of accidents and how to prevent or minimise danger. So, instead of feeling overwhelmed or panicking about what to do, employees know how to respond to future incidents.

• A positive environment

First aid training doesn’t just create a safer work environment, but a more positive one too. It shows your employees that you care about their welfare, which will boost morale and lead to higher levels of productivity. The training also helps to bring the team together, as staff will start to look out for each other and build stronger working relationships.

• The financial effects

There are benefits to your bottom line too. Think of it this way: if a team member is in an accident they may require time off. This could affect the day-to-day running of your business – lowering efficiency, productivity, and profit.

By having first aid measures in place, you might be able to prevent the accident from occurring at all. But if not, a prompt response could reduce recovery time, allowing the injured employee to return to work sooner.

Finding the right training

With the number of training options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Put simply, if your office holds between 25 to 50 staff, you should have at least one first aider specifically trained in Emergency First Aid at Work. If you exceed this number, the HSE stipulates there should be at least one trained first aider for every 100 employees (or part thereof).

How Centre for Assessment can help

Here at Centre for Assessment (CfA), we have over two decades’ experience in delivering training to hundreds of organisations. Worried about COVID-19? Our sessions are completely socially distanced. We’ll even come to your company’s premises so there’s no need to travel.

CfA’s First Aid qualifications are Ofqual regulated and Highfield certified, so you can be confident you’re in the right hands. To find out more about how we can support your business, call 0161 237 4080 or email sales@centreforassessment.co.uk.