Retraining as a company emergency worker
Table of contents
In a work environment, accidents can happen at any time. Whether they are minor injuries such as cuts and burns or serious incidents such as heart attacks, choking or broken bones, workers can always face situations that require immediate action.
Companies in Belgium are required by law to be prepared for such emergencies by making first-aid services available in the workplace. A crucial aspect of this is the ongoing training of employees in first aid. This in-service training is essential, not only to comply with legal requirements, but also to enhance workplace safety, enable faster responses to emergencies and ultimately save lives.
The importance of first aid refresher training
Legal framework
Under Belgian labour law, employers are obliged to take measures to ensure the safety and health of their employees. These obligations are set out in the Royal Decree of 3 June 1971 on the organisation of the welfare of employees while performing their work. This decree, also known as the ‘Codex on well-being at work’, contains specific provisions on the organisation of first aid in the workplace.
According to this legislation, every employer must make the necessary provisions to provide first aid to workers who have had an accident or become ill during work. The concrete implementation of these obligations and the number of trained first aiders varies according to the size of the company and the nature of the risks associated with the work. These first-aiders must undergo recognised first aid training in which the basic principles of first aid are taught.
Why refresher training is essential
Refresher training is crucial to keep the knowledge gained sharp. Below are some reasons why in-service training in first aid is essential for any business.
Knowledge and skills are lost
First aid skills are not something you learn once and remember forever. Research shows that many people forget many of the techniques learned within six months of their first first first aid course. This is mainly because in many cases, first aid is not applied on a daily basis, so certain actions are forgotten quite quickly.
Refresher training helps keep these skills fresh and gives workers the chance to re-practise and perfect techniques. It is not enough to just know the theory, you also need to practice regularly to be able to act quickly and effectively in a real emergency.
Changes in protocols and techniques
Healthcare and first aid methods are constantly changing. What was considered the right approach 10 years ago may be outdated today.
For example, the way CPR is performed has changed in recent years. The guidelines for chest compression and ventilation have been updated based on new scientific research and practical experience. Regular first aid refresher training keeps employees up to date with the latest techniques and protocols so that they can respond appropriately in an emergency using the most effective methods.
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Confidence
One of the biggest challenges in first aid is that the skills learned are rarely applied. While this in itself is a good sign – after all, serious accidents do not happen every day – the lack of practice can lead to employees not knowing exactly how to act in an emergency and can lead to stress and panic among attendees, further exacerbating the situation.
Well-trained first aiders are better able to remain calm and perform their duties effectively. Regular refresher training helps to build their confidence so that they are able to act quickly and accurately under pressure. This can be crucial in life-threatening situations, when every second counts.
Recognising emergency situations
Not every situation requires the same approach. A cut requires different care from a heart attack or choking. In-service training not only covers how to administer first aid, but also how to recognise different emergency situations. This will increase your understanding of when to perform what actions and what tools to use.
Reducing injuries and complications
When prompt and adequate first aid is provided, the severity of injuries and the risk of complications can be significantly reduced. Consider serious bleeding that – if stopped quickly – can prevent serious damage or even death. Regular refresher training can train workers to act quickly and reduce the risk of complications.
Collective mission
We live in a society where we all have a role to play in keeping each other safe. By keeping your first aid skills up-to-date, you contribute to a culture where people can count on each other in emergencies.
Continuing education makes more people able to respond appropriately, both in a business context and in everyday life, which increases the chances of survival in serious accidents.
Summary
First aid refresher training is not an unnecessary luxury, but an investment in the safety and well-being of both employees and employers. It is more than just an obligation resulting from Belgian legislation. Regular refresher training keeps skills and knowledge up to date, reduces the likelihood of errors in emergency situations and increases employees’ self-confidence. In addition, in-service training ensures that employees are able to recognise different emergency situations and respond appropriately based on the latest protocols and techniques.
Moreover, refresher training contributes to a positive corporate culture, where safety and well-being are highly valued. Employees feel supported by their employer and experience greater safety in the workplace
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