According to the recent statistics revealed by the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC), approximately 951 cases of workplace fatalities were recorded in Canada in the year 2017. This was an increase of 46 more fatalities as compared to the preceding year. Among these figures, 23 workers were still young and lied in the age bracket of 15 to 24 years.
And that’s not it; in the same year, up to 251,508 cases of work-related injuries and illnesses were also recorded—an increase of 4-5% from the year 2016. Out of these cases, 31,441 involved young workers of age 15-24 years.
These statistics are alarming, but considering the fact that these are only incidents that were reported to authorities, it can be easily assumed that the actual number of affected employees is even greater.
But this isn’t our only concern, with every work-related injury and fatality; there are family members, and loved ones whose lives are deeply affected and changed forever.
Keeping these in mind, here are 5 reasons why every new employee must be provided with basic first aid training before they are brought on board.
Responsiveness During a Medical Emergency
It’s common for employees to get baffled in case a medical emergency happens in workplace. However, if all the employees—or even one—have basic first aid knowledge, they can create a difference of life and death. A first aid trained employee will be aware of the right steps, techniques, and equipment to use from the first aid kit—all that will enable him to respond quickly and confidently. A quick first aid treatment can keep a medical situation from getting worse until paramedics arrive.
Increased Workplace Safety
First aid training spreads awareness among the employees about how to avoid workplace accidents and keep them self and others safe. This minimizes the number of work-related accidents that may lead to minor and severe injuries. it isn’t just a benefit for employees, but also for employers because this will reduce employee absenteeism and improve workplace productivity and business operations.
Safety Outside the Workplace
If you’re providing employees with basic first aid training, you aren’t just keeping them safe inside your workplace, but also in their homes, malls, and wherever they go. It has a trickling effect; they’ll be able to save lives any time they come across a medical emergency.
If reading this makes you determined about training your employees on basic first aid knowledge, get in touch with Metro Safety Training. We offer a variety of occupational first aid courses in BC at Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Our workplace safety courses are ideal for forklift operators, traffic control persons, workers who perform work on large heights and in confined spaces, and workers who have to deal with biohazards.
Reach out to us for all your queries and concerns, we’d be happy to help!
