Updating your first aid program

First aid is an essential piece of an overall workplace safety program. A robust first aid program can help mitigate and reduce incidents in multiple ways: Preventing minor injuries from escalating Making employees more aware of safety Improving your overall safety record Identifying trends before they become major issues Keeping first aid programs up to date is critical. According to OHS Canada, “A key occupational health and safety (OHS) activity for any organization to undertake is to continually assess and improve first aid programs… It is important to avoid a “one and done” approach and instead understand how the shifting complexities of the environment could impact first aid plans, supplies, equipment, and training needs.” Consider these questions: When was your last comprehensive first aid program assessment? Are your first aid certifications current? Do your first aid protocols address all current workplace hazards? When did you last conduct a first aid emergency drill? Does your first aid program meet the latest regulatory requirements? If you’re unsure of the answers, it’s time to take action. A proactive approach to first aid preparedness isn’t just about compliance; it’s about protecting your workforce and maintaining operational excellence. Manufacturing environments have unique hazards that necessitate custom approaches to first aid. In this article, we’ll look at several ways to keep first aid response programs ready for current conditions, including reassessment, retraining, and conducting drills. Re-assessment for compliance and appropriate coverage First aid preparedness is environment-specific and will vary in each manufacturing workplace. Some potential hazards to look at include: Cuts, crushing, or other machinery-related trauma Chemical exposure Heat stress or repetitive strain Electrical incidents According to CCOHS, all Canadian jurisdictions have a requirement for the workplace to provide at least some level of first aid. The type of first aid equipment and training generally required depends on: Number of workers Types of hazards present in the workplace Travel distance to a hospital/availability of professional medical assistance When regulations change, first aid programs need to be updated. For example, new first aid standards took effect in November 2024 in British Columbia. Retraining to ensure that a first aid program is effective Regular first aid training reinforces the importance of safety in your workplace culture. First aid confidence and readiness rely on refresher training for several reasons: People forget their training. According to a CSA report, CPR skills retention begins to decline less than six months after initial training. Certifications expire. Retraining ensures that certified first aid responders are aware of current recommendations and techniques and have the opportunity to refresh their skills. Updates are needed to accommodate workplace changes. As part of the reassessment process, new hazards are likely to be identified, and if so, will require retraining. Conducting drills to test first aid readiness Drills could be done at least once a year, or when procedures have been significantly changed. Scenarios for the drills should be developed to assess and evaluate first aid procedures, both for workers and for trained first aid attendants. Drills provide opportunities to resolve potential issues and loss of effectiveness in first aid programs. As with all safety programs, first aid must be continually revisited and reinforced to be effective. In emergency situations, the effectiveness of your first aid program could mean the difference between a minor incident and a major crisis.