Beyond being a requirement of the law, workplace safety 101 is vital to ensure the success of both businesses and employees.
Health and safety risks are present in any industry but are more common in construction sites, hospitals, restaurants, and manufacturing.
To combat these risks, employers and workers must create workplace designs and procedures that promote a culture that focuses on safety.
Why Is Workplace Safety Important
A workplace safety plan consists of processes and protocols that help mitigate risks in the environment and reduce the rate of injury and illness.
Million working days are lost every year due to work-related illnesses and injuries. Some of these are serious and even fatal.
Approximately 183 work fatalities occurred in Australia in 2019 from incidents where first aid could potentially save lives. Sadly, more than half of the population did not undergo first aid training and would not know what to do in an emergency situation.
Reducing the occurrence of workplace injuries should be one of the priorities of every business and organisation.
To help ensure workplace safety, everyone should play an active role in upholding the organisation’s safety program. If the recent health crisis has taught us anything, safety is of utmost importance and deserves to be on top of the priority list.
The business and the workers must invest and implement workplace safety tips to create a safer work environment. A workforce that is dedicated to safety and eliminating hazards can quickly identify corrective action that needs to be set.
Safety Tips In The Workplace
Office First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is one of the most important pieces of workplace equipment in case of an emergency.
The content of a workplace first aid kit may vary depending on the environment. The most common supplies include bandages, plasters, safety pins, sterile gloves, eye pads, multipurpose tools (tweezers, scissors), medications, and more.
Check supplies regularly as some items may have an expiry date and should be replaced as necessary. Designate someone in the office to monitor the first aid kit, preferably someone who has undergone formal first aid training. That way, they know what and when to replace essential items swiftly after expiry.
AED In The Workplace
A sudden cardiac arrest can occur at any moment, often without warning. With no one immune to this risk, it is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure everyone is equipped to save lives.
Alongside CPR, using a defibrillator or AED is an effective treatment against cardiac arrest. Having this lifesaving device should be essential to any workplace.
Every minute of delay without any treatment decreases the chance of survival by 10%. Therefore, it is essential for the casualty to receive a lifesaving shock immediately after the collapse.
First Aid At Work
First aid training provides everyone with the knowledge of what to do in various emergencies. To obtain the appropriate qualifications and certifications, enrolling in a first aid training course is necessary.
There are several options to train the employees, and it is important to choose the right option that works for everyone. Group first aid training is a popular choice for companies of all sizes. The course involves attending a class with a qualified instructor who will demonstrate what you need to know and then test your knowledge to obtain your certification.
Get Trained
Employees are valuable, and they are what makes a company tick. By investing in their health and safety, you are also ensuring the future of the business.
If you are interested in a group first aid training for your business, reach out to First Aid Courses Darwin or email courses@firstaidpro.com.au.
