First aid training is something most of us will have experienced at some point – we’ve all met Annie and had to half heartedly give her mouth to mouth – but what if we told you it could actually benefit your job role and enhance your career path?
Every workforce has a first aider, and the amount in each workplace varies depending on the number of people and hazard level in your industry – the standard, according to the HSE, is one first aider per 25 people in a low hazard environment and one first aider per five people in a high hazard environment.
Therefore, in the manufacturing industry for every five people you’re going to need one competent individual who has been trained in first aid. This could be you and here’s why you should go for it:
You can ensure you and your colleagues are protected.
As a first aider, you have more sway over health and safety practices as you are able to spot risks and have precautionary safety measures put in place around the workplace. This could be everything from recommending higher quality PPE – like the ones found here – to ensuring those working with chemicals are in an environment where there is plenty of ventilation, to keeping the necessary medical supplies available well stocked and in good order.
It can benefit your career.
An individual with first aid experience is beneficial in any working environment, especially if they proactively undertake regular training. It also indicates that they are an excellent team player and are able to take on extra responsibility on top of their every day work. Having first aid training under your belt can also push you to the front of the line if you decided to go for another job in a high hazard environment.
You can save the business time and money.
Workplace accidents are costly, but if there is a competent first aider such as yourself providing immediate treatment before professionals arrive, you could save the business time and money. Recovery time can be made shorter if the injured individual is seen to immediately, so they can get back to work and not cause delays or upset in projects or with clients during their absence.
It can boost confidence.
Knowing how to effectively manage an emergency situation is something that can boost your confidence across all aspects of your job role. You will feel confident working to tight deadlines, be more efficient when dealing with problems and cope well under pressure all because of your first aid training.
It’s a skill you can use outside your role.
Let’s not forget, you may require first aid experience when out of work too and knowing the basics could save someone’s life.
First aid training is something that can truly benefit you and your job role. If you’ve been considering taking on further training don’t hesitate to sign up for a course or ask your employer to help with this.
