Do you have a first aid kit in your office? If you do, do you know where it is, and if it meets WorkSafe BC first aid standards? Workplace first aid is an essential part of all offices, and it should be a pillar of your health and safety requirements in your work environment. Here are 3 ways your organization can stay on top of workplace first aid.
1. Have a stocked first aid kitOne of the easiest ways to get started on workplace first aid is by having a stocked first aid kit. Whether you are putting a bandage on a small cut or conducting CPR, having a basic first aid kit (or a more specialized one, depending on your workplace) ensures your employees are protected and can give them the immediate care they need.
In Canada, workplace first aid kit requirements can vary from province to province, depending on the size and scale of the company, the nature of work that is done at the workplace, how far the workplace is from a hospital, and other factors. On a national level, all workplaces are required to have at least one first aid kit and a trained first aid attendant in the workplace. Be sure to check BC’s standards for workplace safety under Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.
2. Make it mandatory for workers to be trained in first aidInvesting in first aid training is crucial because it means you are investing in the safety of your team and the longevity of your business. All new employees, for example, should receive a health and safety orientation along with their general employee orientation to kick-start this process.
With every first aid kit, ensure that members of your office can administer first aid. According to WorkSafeBC, “if you are an employer, you are responsible for first aid in your workplace.” This responsibility includes completing an assessment which outlines whether or not your organization will need a first aid attendant on site at all times. First aid attendants hold a set of responsibilities which are critical to ensuring the safety of your workplace. These responsibilities cover reporting and recording all first aid incidences, including:
There are many first aid training providers in BC that can help assess what first aid training your organization needs. However, make sure your workers are trained in a first aid certification course that is approved and recognized by WorkSafeBC. This will ensure that your workers will know all the necessary information they need to stay safe in the workplace.
3. Create a Joint Health and Safety CommitteeConstructing a Joint Health and Safety Committee in your workplace can be a helpful step to ensure your business is properly prepared for an emergency. This team is trained for first aid procedures and they can make sure that your first aid kit is fully stocked with supplies. A joint health and safety committee would also be able to carry out other important responsibilities, such as promote workplace health and safety, reduce workplace injuries and diseases, and do regular safety inspections to ensure the workplace is up to WorkSafe BC safety standards.
WorkSafeBC explains the various requirements that all Health and Safety Committee’s should have, and they developed an online training program that is available to all workers here.
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Keeping workers safe can seem like a daunting task if you don't know where or how to start. Workplace first aid may be the best place to begin! To learn more about how how health and safety training can benefit your company and your employees with our blog, "Why Companies Have to Provide Health and Safety Training to Employees."