Workplace First Aid Kit: How to Handle Emergencies in the Workplace

Accidents are a fact of life. They are particularly common in workplaces that have some built-in hazards.

In 2020, the workforce experienced nearly 1.2 million non-fatal injuries. Learning to prevent and manage these injuries is something that every business should invest in. Investing in something as simple and practical as learning first aid can save your company money, prevent serious medical issues, and build an overall better workplace.

Here are some benefits of workplace first aid, a guide of what you should keep in your workplace first aid kit, and other tips.

The Benefits of Workplace First Aid

Workplace first aid is a necessity, not an option. There are several benefits of having a highly trained workplace that is also well stocked with health and medical supplies.

Here are a few of the advantages of workplace first aid:

You Can Prevent Further Serious Injury

Your first task when an accident occurs is to keep the person safe and prevent any further harm. In some cases, you won't want to move them until a medical professional arrives. So you sit with them and keep them comfortable and stable.

With other injuries, it's imperative that you take action quickly or else the medical issue will get worse.

Hazardous work sites commonly deal with injuries like lacerations, burns, broken bones, chemical inhalation, and a host of other injuries.

The sooner you can stabilize an injury, the sooner you prevent a further medical emergency from developing. Our thorough workplace first aid training will give you the skillset that you need.

It Leads to a More Competent, Happy Workplace

There's a sense of professional pride that comes with completing your first aid training. When everyone is well-trained your workplace is safer, more skilled, and has a happier work culture.

You will have a team of professionals ready and dedicated to helping each other out if worst-case scenarios occur. Passing first aid training creates better work morale, which is important when working in grueling or potentially dangerous environments.

You Lower Liability Risks

Whenever you work in dangerous environments, there are always some liabilities at stake. Training first aid brings your risk of medical emergencies down, along with insurance risk. In fact, insurance companies will typically give you a discount if you show that you have completed first aid and relevant safety courses.

Safer workplaces are easier to insure and you can save yourself the time and trouble of potential litigation or settlements.

Stay in Compliance

Compliance is always a key issue with shipyards, oil fields, mines, and other hazardous work areas. Governing bodies dictate employee safety and Labor Relations. Failing an inspection or getting hit with a violation can lead to costly fines and penalties.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the main governing body that you need to remain in compliance with. You can satisfy OSHA's first aid compliance requirements by taking an online compliance training course and getting everyone certified.

Provide First Aid Training

Now that you know the importance of first aid in the workplace, take the time to get everyone in your workplace up to speed. This begins by finding a reputable trainer or school.

Verify the license of the training company and make sure that they have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), along with a high trust pilot score.

Research their resume and find a company that is trusted by the fields that you work in. Check to see what other certifications they offer to get an idea about their knowledge and experience.

For example, a first aid training company might also offer compliance training for the Department of Transportation (DOT), hazardous materials (HAZMAT), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and other governing agencies.

Check the courses they offer and make sure that they are widely available and easy to complete on your own schedule. Most compliance training schools offer online courses, so it shouldn't take long to enroll your employees and quickly get everyone compliant.

Stock Your Workplace First Aid Kit

Finally, make sure that you are also diligent about stocking the first aid supplies that you need. This will allow you to take action and put your newfound knowledge to use.

Your first aid kit should include items such as:

• Adhesive cloth tape
• Alcohol wipes
• Emergency blankets
• Gauze bandages
• Thermometers
• Razors
• Aspirin

The kit should also be stocked with refresher instructions that someone can reference in a panicked moment. Stock your building with multiple first aid kits and make sure that they are displayed prominently with signage and in accordance with OSHA standards.

Periodically hold some first aid refresher courses in your building. This will help keep everyone vigilant, safe, and sharp with their training information.

Keep Your Workplace Safe

With proper training, compliance, and a workplace first aid kit, you go a long way toward keeping your workplace as safe as possible. You can't be too careful about taking these measures since accidents can happen at any moment of any given day.

The only thing left to do is reach out to a company that provides first-aid training, along with other courses.

Compliance Training Online can help everyone in your building get trained and certified. We provide help for companies needing compliance with Canada OHS, HAZWOPER, EPA, and many others. Take the time to find out why we're the highest-rated, most trusted trainers around.

You can contact us on our website or call (512)410-7335 to learn more.