As your business rings in the new year, you may be considering what goals to set or ways to improve in 2022. While establishing KPIs and looking at how to streamline processes are all important, have you considered in-office safety? Ensuring that your office space is productive and safe is essential. Afterall, the average American will spend 90,000 hours or one third of their lives at their place of work. That’s a lot of time– and a lot of time for an emergency to occur. Here, the experts at Heart to Beat provide insight in how your office can adopt first aid and other safety practices this year.
Encourage Office-Wide CPR/AED and First Aid Certifications
A great way to make sure your staff is prepared in case of an emergency is proper training. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, workplaces are recommended, but not required, to have CPR certified personnel on site. Although this certification is not required by OSHA, it is one that could save an employee’s life. Each year, over 350,000 Americans will suffer from a heart attack outside of a hospital. And with the high percentage of time that most individuals spend at work, there’s a high likelihood that it could occur in your office space. In addition, make sure that your employees know how to use the AED installed in your office space. AEDs can save lives, but only if a properly trained user is there to help.
CPR/AED training isn’t the only one that may be beneficial to your team. Basic first aid training is an important skill for employees of all industries. While some career paths may run into the need for basic first aid more often than others, it is important that your team is prepared for any form of care. Whether it’s a paper cut or a fall down the stairs, basic first aid training can help your team be ready for any form of emergency.
Take time to enroll your employees in proper CPR/AED and first aid training, and make sure that the certifications stay up to date. Most certifications are valid for two years, so schedule refresher courses as needed.
Schedule Your AED Inspections Ahead of Time
Do you know how often your AED needs to be inspected? According to the experts, AED inspections occur once a month. AEDs are sophisticated electronic devices, and it is imperative that all parts are properly functioning so that the AED can be utilized in case of an emergency. Far too often, AEDs are installed and then forgotten about. Improper AED maintenance or lack of AED inspections can increase risk of serious harm or death in case of a heart attack or even a potential for a lawsuit if your business is found liable for not properly maintaining your AED.
While making sure that your AED is in working order is important, it’s also understandable that your business may have a lot to get to each month. Scheduling your AED inspections months in advance will help to ensure that it doesn’t drop off your radar.
Practice First Aid Management and Make Sure Your First Aid Kit is Stocked
Your first aid training can only be as successful as the tools you have on hand. Make sure your office is practicing first aid management by taking inventory of your first aid kits. You don’t want to find yourself in an emergency without adequate supplies. Be sure to make a list of all of the first aid supplies that should be in the kit, both the products and the quantities. Once a month, go through and ensure that everything is in the first aid kit and that nothing is expired. In addition, make sure that the first aid kit is neatly stocked. Keeping things in the same spot at all times ensures that you know where things are in the event of an emergency.
Take Time to Review With Employees
In addition to encouraging or requiring your employees to receive CPR/AED and first aid certifications, take time to educate them on other in-office safety practices. Make sure that everyone knows where the AED and first aid kit are located. Review other basic safety information, such as location of fire extinguishers, the office plan for a fire, and what the address of the building is in case someone needs to call 911. If possible, make sure this information is clearly posted for employees to see.
Let Heart to Beat Help You Start the New Year off Safely
We understand that monthly maintenance can be a lot to remember and that sometimes it can get brushed aside. That’s why we’re here to help. Our team offers comprehensive safety programs and equipment management to businesses of all sizes in the greater Baltimore area. Our team will service your AED monthly as well as restock your first aid kits. You won’t have to lift a finger. We can also help get your entire team properly trained and certified from CPR/AED to first aid. Let us take safety management off your plate and find out why we’re the safety training you can’t live without- contact us today!
