Is Your Workplace First Aid Certified?
When we think of accidents in the workplace, we tend to think of workplaces that are naturally dangerous. Construction workers, emergency service workers, or even cooks all work in environments that may pose dangers such as heights, falling objects, open flames, etc. Training makes these jobs safe, but accidents can still happen.
Yet the truth is that any workplace can be dangerous - even ones you might least expect. An office environment may seem tame by comparison, but kitchen accidents, tripping hazards, or even paper cutters may cause serious injury. A retail store may not be dangerous on its own, but tripping on merchandise or falling off a step ladder can be dangerous.
That very reason is why workplaces need to be first aid certified. Not only does the law require it in workplaces, but that level of protection is crucial for keeping all team members healthy and safe. So, what first aid training does your workplace require? That may depend on your company size and your industry, but here’s a quick overview.
What does the law say about first aid requirements?
Under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (the “Act”), any workplace covered by the Act must have at least one Emergency First Aid certificate if there are between 1 and 5 employees working on a shift. If there are 6 or more employees working on a shift, at least one person is required to have a Standard First Aid certificate.?
The Act covers workers across a wide variety of industries that are divided into Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 categories. It does not, however, apply to those who work casually outside of the purpose of the business (think of doing occasional snow clearance for a factory), or ‘outworkers’ who do work out of their own home.?
There are specific industries that require extra levels of training, such as:
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These are just a few examples, but it is important to learn what your specific industry requires to ensure that you’re compliant in the process.
Lastly, the Act and its First Aid regulations are also specific about the materials that you must have on-hand in your first aid kit/at your first aid station. Review the regulations for further guidance, or contact our office to ensure that you’re receiving the proper training.
How many trained employees do we need?
The Act requires one valid certificate in many workplaces, but the reality in most workplaces is that one trained employee is simply not enough. What happens if the certified employee is the one who is injured - who will be available to help them? What if they go for a coffee break, or are on vacation, and something happens in the workplace?
The Act does not necessitate a strict ratio of trained workers to workers, so long as someone with training can reach an injured person within 2 minutes. However, group staff training can help ensure that a large number of people are trained simultaneously, and can respond to anything that arises. Group training not only helps your company comply with the law, but it can also provide peace of mind.?
First Aid training in your workplace can also be a team building exercise. During instruction, colleagues work together to run through scenarios and learn how they would help. Instructors teach them to think about evacuation exits, meeting points, and other scenarios such as how paramedics may make it from the front door to a bathroom, for example. This quick thinking and problem solving can have the added benefit of bringing your team closer together.?
Do we need to recertify regularly?
The short answer is - yes, you do. Certification is only valid for so long, and with good reason. While some of the core principles in first aid are well established, others change as we gain a better understanding of science and medicine. There may be more efficient ways of performing a certain technique, or a safer way of doing things.?
Your First Aid certification is valid for 3 years, and before it expires you need to undergo a renewal course, provided that you already have a current certificate from the Canadian Red Cross that is valid, and the last course you took was a full course (not a recertification). Levels A and C of CPR are recertified with your recertification for another 3 years. Emergency First Aid cannot be recertified in Ontario, so that course would need to be done in full again.
If you have any questions about your particular workplace or what you’ll require, our team is here to help. First Aid is all we do, and we are well-versed in the requirements of your industry. After all, your goal is to keep your workplace safe. That’s our goal, too. Contact us today to get started.