News

July 02, 2010

Small firms urged to take workplace first aid seriously

More small businesses need to provide adequate first aid training to staff so they are prepared for serious injury or illness at work, charity St John Ambulance has claimed.

Currently, only certain businesses are required to have qualified first aiders in place, depending upon the number of employees and the degree of risk in their workplace. Low risk businesses, such as shops and offices, may not need a fully-trained first aider – especially if they only have a few employees.

However, these firms must still designate an appointed person whose duties include keeping the first-aid box stocked and calling the emergency services if necessary.

St John Ambulance has launched a fresh campaign calling for all small firms to provide first aid training to as many employees as possible, either as part of their corporate and social responsibilities, or as an employee benefit.

“First aid shouldn’t be treated as a legal tick-box exercise, but an act of social responsibility that businesses can take to protect their organisations, their employees and the wider community,” said St John Ambulance chief executive, Sue Killen. “Many employers offer benefits such as gym membership or language lessons, but what could be more important than equipping your workforce with the skills to save a life?”

The charity estimates that up to 150,000 people each year die in situations where first aid could have given them a chance to live.

However, the Forum of Private Businesses (FPB) said that it was “unrealistic” to expect small employers to pay for additional first aid training, when many firms were feeling the pinch. “In most modern low-risk workplaces, like offices, there is an unnecessary focus on risk-prevention,” said FPB spokesman, Chris Gorman.

“People are more at risk from walking down the street than sitting at a desk, yet the moment you step into the workplace, all the health and safety focus hits the employer,” he added. “Businesses already have to comply with stringent health and safety rules so this seems unfair.”

According to a recent survey carried out by the charity, the majority of people (98 per cent) agree that first aid saves lives, but a worrying number wouldn’t know what to do if confronted with a common emergency. In the event of somebody choking, only half would intervene with back blows – the correct procedure – while one in 10 would stick their fingers down the person’s throat, which could push the obstruction down further.

Last year the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reduced the length of the first aid training course that businesses with a nominated first aider are required to take from four to three days. It also introduced a one day first aid course aimed specifically at small businesses.

According to the HSE, 180 people died from work-related accidents in the year ending March 2009.

• For more information about the HSE’s first aid training guidelines, visit the HSE website