EMPLOYEES in Norfolk must be encouraged to learn first aid if fatality and injury statistics are to be reduced, claims the county's leading first aid charity today.
EMPLOYEES in Norfolk must be encouraged to learn first aid if fatality and injury statistics are to be reduced, claims the county's leading first aid charity today.
The call from St John Ambulance Norfolk comes in the light of the latest research - released last Wednesday by the Health and Safety Executive - which says 19 fatal injuries took place in the workplace in the East of England over the last year.
Further HSE findings in the report show that nearly 2,500 'major injuries' to employees were reported and that four fatal injuries occurred to members of the public (in the East of England).
St John Ambulance is using the opportunity to remind employers to prioritise first aid training and to ensure that a thorough assessment of potential workplace hazards has been carried out.
Sue Skoyles, county training officer at St John Ambulance Norfolk, said: “These latest statistics remind us all of the importance of first aid and health and safety training.
“Employers certainly seem to be learning the message that they must put a strong emphasis on the care and protection of their staff, but this research should serve as a timely reminder.”
St John Ambulance Norfolk offers a host of first aid courses - covering those for the community and for the work environment.
Throughout the year, the charity's team are continually conducting potentially life-saving training either at company sites or at one of the main St John Ambulance venues within the county.
The organisation also actively encourages youngsters to learn first aid and has a particularly strong youth movement.
“I would urge every employer in Norfolk to take this as a warning and to refresh their memory as to the last time their staff went on a first aid course,” added Sue.
“At a time when companies are cutting budgets it would be all too easy for them to neglect training such as this - but it should be the biggest priority of all.”
For more information about St John Ambulance Norfolk's training courses, please contact 01603 431639.
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