Would you know what to do in an accident at work?

  • Lack of knowledge poses risk to business

New research from the British Red Cross, leading providers of first aid products and HSE approved first aid training for the workplace reveals that less than 60% of office workers know where their first aid kit is at work (57%). By contrast 86% people know where their first aid kit at home is.

Amanda Jenkins, Head of PR comments "Accidents do happen in the workplace. In 2006/7 over 150,000 injuries were reported and 9 million working days were lost due to workplace injury. At the very least, every worker should know where their first aid kit is located and who their first aider is."

The research also shows that office workers have limited knowledge of how to treat minor injuries, with over 55% stating that they have never received any form of first aid training whatsoever, amongst these only 34% of women had received some form of training as opposed to 56% of men.

Other information from the survey reveals:
  • That for those who do have knowledge of first aid, the workplace is the key source. People who have experienced first aid training experienced it at:
  1. Work - 77%
  2. Youth group - 16%
  3. College - 7%
  • There is a strong interest in being trained - 73% of people would attend a first aid at work course if their employer offered them attendance at a free course
  • 33% of people do not know who their first aider is at work
  • 57% of people would know what to do with someone with heavy bleeding
  • 42% would know how to deal with someone in shock after an accident
  • 50% would know how to deal with a sprain caused by a trip or fall

Amanda Jenkins adds "Whilst it is encouraging to see that the workplace is the key channel for receiving first aid training more can be done. People evidently want to have the skills to enable them to help in an incident and employers should react to this. First aid is more than a certificate to meet an employer's legal obligations. It demonstrates the employer's commitment to the well-being of their employees and for the first aider it is a development skill that builds confidence and motivation."

The HSE is currently promoting the business benefits of better health and safety in the workplace, including a "better business booklet". Effective first aid cover forms a key part of an effective health and safety policy, benefits include lower rates of lost working time, better staff morale and lower compensation risks.

For a full copy of the survey please contact Lydia Mottershead  0n 0844 871 8000.

The survey was carried out on 2000 adults, aged over 18. The British Red Cross is a leading provider of first aid training for the workplace. Every year we train over 120,000 people in courses ranging from the 4 day, HSE approved first aid at work course to moving and handling techniques.

We also supply a wide range of first aid supplies including first aid kits, defibrillators, books and bandages.

We have a series of first aid learning tools including a series of interactive CD Roms and a video/DVD.

For a full copy of the survey please contact Lydia Mottershead  0n 0844 871 8000

For further information contact Lydia Mottershead on 0844 871 8000

 


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