Workplace safety is an important issue that needs to be taken seriously at every office, business or industry, given its potential implications on the employees’ morale and productivity as well as the company’s reputation.
Taking it for granted is dangerous because the safety of the workplace is something that has the power to impact large groups of people. If employees don’t feel safe, they will be less productive. The safety issue also goes beyond the workers – an unsafe workplace affects families, customers and the business’ future too.
Let’s explore why ‘first aid within the workplace’ is so important.
When it comes to safety in the workplace, a good place to start is by putting in place a safety management system. This is a set of policies and procedures that are designed to protect the employees. This will include things like hazard assessment, hazard control, and hazard monitoring. A good safety management system will also provide guidelines for the reporting of injuries, accidents, complaints, and the like.
Reasons why First Aid within the workplace is important:
It can save lives
In order to make your workplace safer, you should ensure you have a fully stocked first aid kit. You should also make sure to have a designated first responder and a designated first aid trainer so you and your employees are well aware of what to do in case of emergencies. If your company is large enough for a designated first responder, you should also make sure to have a designated first aid station. This will increase the likelihood of saving a life.
Provides relief to the victim right away
When a workplace incident happens, first aid kits are required to help the victim get the immediate relief needed. First aid kits allow the victim to get the medical attention they need right away, potentially reducing the severity of the injury. If first aid kits aren’t available, the victim will have to wait for the ambulance to arrive, with the delay causing more serious damage.
Promotes a positive working environment
Despite the easy availability of first aid kits, most companies in Australia do not have one. This is a problem because one in three employees will be injured at work, with stress, fatigue, and lack of information all contributing to this situation. With that in mind, a first aid kit can ensure peace of mind to employees and provide immediate solutions in the event of an emergency.
Reduces the impact of accidents
First aid kits are important in the workplace because they can be used in an emergency situation. If an incident happens to someone in the workplace, it is your job as an employer to take care of them and make sure they are safe. There are many benefits to providing a first aid kit within the workplace. For one, the kits help reduce the potential damage from injuries caused by accidents that happen on the job. It is important to provide a first aid kit in the workplace because it helps ensure a better and safer workplace for employees.
Reduces recovery time of the victim
The earlier you can get first aid to the victim, the faster they can be back on their feet. And here’s why: first, it can reduce the time it takes for the victim to recover. Secondly, it can reduce the chance of the victim contracting an infection. Thirdly, the quicker the victim is treated, the less the risk of permanent damage. Lastly, the quicker the victim can be eased, the shorter the risk of complications.
Makes the outside workplace safe
Sometimes even the most well-intentioned worker can harm themselves at work without realising it. It’s a regular occurrence for a workplace injury to happen at the most inopportune time, such as when the employee is on break or at the end of the workday. To protect your employees and yourself, there are a few things you can do to make your workplace safer. The first is to make sure that the first aid kit is readily available.
Makes the workplace a safer place
Some of the most common causes of workplace injury and illness include slips, trips, falls and collisions. These often result in minor injuries, but they can also have a major impact on the individual’s health and workplace productivity. One way to reduce the risk of injury is by providing a certified first aid kit. A first aid kit should include items such as bandages, safety pins, gauze, eye patches, splints, and a manual or first aid book for reference. In order to make the workplace a safer place, make sure that first aid is available for all employees.
Basic first aid kit contents:
Tweezer, scissors, medical tape
This is for proper solutions to treat a wound and it helps to stop some bleeding. These items will also help you take care of those minor scrapes, cuts and bruises.
Sterile gloves and thermometer
A good first aid kit should contain readily available items, such as sterile gloves and a thermometer.
Plasters and gauze dressings
When you have a small cut or wound that does not need to be cleaned, you can use a sterile gauze dressing or a plaster.
Bandages, safety pins, and alcohol-free wipes
These items are usually the most essential ones for cuts and bruises to prevent bacterial infection or stem bleeding.
Antiseptic cream, paracetamol, and antihistamine cream
Antiseptic cream is an essential product that can be used to cleanse your wound and reduce the risk of infection. Paracetamol is a painkiller that can be used to make the pain more manageable. Antihistamine cream is an anti-allergy product that can minimise the risk of allergic reactions.
Conclusion
The very first step in saving a life is to keep your workplace safe. At the very minimum, this means having first aid kits on hand and being able to administer first aid to someone who is injured or experiencing a medical emergency. This is why it is important that your workplace has a first aid kit.
Checkpoint Group has made it easy for you to have a first aid kit in your workplace with their Basic First Aid Kits available in different packs, depending on the needs of your organisation. These Basic First Aid Kits are perfect for those looking for a small, easy-to-carry first aid kit.
