Workplace safety is the employer’s responsibility, and one of the key factors in ensuring workplace safety is first-aid preparedness. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the employer must ensure that there are a sufficient number of people trained in first aid at the workplace, as well as the appropriate equipment for administering first aid. First-aid training is not merely recommended; it is part of the statutory health and safety requirements.
First aid training ensures that staff in the workplace are able to respond quickly to accidents and emergencies. When employees are familiar with first aid procedures and have been trained in how to apply them in practice, they can act effectively in emergencies, preventing more serious injuries or even saving lives.
Legal requirements regarding first aid training and first aid provision in the workplace
The Occupational Safety and Health Act (738/2002) and the Government Decree on First Aid and First Aid Preparedness in the Workplace (716/2001) set out the employer’s obligations regarding first aid preparedness in the workplace. The employer must ensure that:
- There are a sufficient number of staff trained in first aid
- First-aid supplies are available and instructions on how to use them have been provided
- Employees are given instructions on how to access first aid and on who the first-aiders are
Government Decree (716/2001) sets out more detailed guidelines on the number of people trained in first aid that must be present at a workplace.
- In ordinary workplaces, it is recommended that at least 5–10 per cent of staff have received first-aid training.
- In higher-risk workplaces, such as industrial plants, construction sites and the transport sector, it is recommended that at least 10–15 per cent of staff are trained to administer first aid.
- In particularly hazardous workplaces, such as those involving chemicals or electrical equipment, the requirements may be even stricter, and the number of trained staff and first-aid equipment must be increased as necessary.
In practice, this means that, for example, a workplace with 50 employees should have at least 3–5 people trained in first aid, and in higher-risk work environments, as many as 5–8 employees trained in first aid.
Why should a company invest in first aid training?
Although first-aid training is a statutory requirement, it also brings tangible benefits to employers. The number of staff trained in first aid should not be seen merely as a means of complying with the law, but as part of the workplace’s safety culture and staff wellbeing.
The first and most obvious benefit is improved safety. When there are enough people trained in first aid at the workplace, it is possible to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies. This can reduce the risk of serious injuries and shorten recovery times, which in turn has a positive impact on work capacity and the number of sick days taken.
Another significant benefit is the company’s reputation and corporate social responsibility. Customers, partners and employees value organisations that prioritise safety and staff wellbeing. First aid training not only helps to meet statutory requirements, but also demonstrates the employer’s commitment to the health and safety of its employees.
The third benefit relates to the management of legal risks. If a serious accident occurs at the workplace and first-aid arrangements have not been properly organised, the employer may be held liable for negligence. Insurance companies and health and safety authorities may request details of how first-aid arrangements have been organised, and any shortcomings may result in fines or liability for damages.
JKK First Aid Training Courses – an easy and effective way to meet the requirements
Organising first aid training in the workplace is not just a mandatory requirement; it is an opportunity to improve the workplace’s safety culture and prepare for unexpected situations. Jatkokoulutus.com particularly recommends the JKK First Aid 1 and JKK Emergency First Aid courses, which are designed to meet the needs of the workplace.
JKK First Aid 1 (8 hours) provides comprehensive and in-depth training in administering first aid in a variety of situations. It is an excellent choice for workplaces where there is an increased risk of accidents and where employees need to know how to respond to a wide range of emergency situations.
JKK First Aid (4 hours) is a condensed training course that provides basic knowledge on how to respond to emergencies. It is well suited to companies that wish to ensure their staff have adequate first aid skills without the need for an extensive training programme.
Jatkokoulutus.com also offers first aid training courses run by the Finnish Red Cross (SPR), but we primarily recommend JKK First Aid Training courses due to their practical focus and work-related content.
A tip for employers: Don’t wait for an accident to happen – invest in prevention
First-aid training should be organised regularly to ensure that first-aid skills remain up to date. Rather than organising training sessions only when they are compulsory, companies should make them part of their ongoing health and safety plan. Regularly updated skills ensure that staff can act effectively in the workplace, even under pressure.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Government Decree require that every workplace have a sufficient number of people trained in first aid. The recommended number depends on the workplace’s risk level, but in practice every workplace should have trained staff who are able to provide first aid in the event of an accident or medical emergency.
The JKK First Aid 1 and JKK Emergency First Aid training courses offer an effective and practical way to meet statutory requirements and ensure safety in the workplace.
Book your training today and make sure your workplace has adequate first-aid provision!
Tip: Keep first aid information visible and up to date! Make sure that every employee knows who at the workplace is trained in first aid and where the first aid equipment is located. Put up a clear notice board at the workplace listing those trained in first aid, their contact details and instructions for emergencies. This ensures that anyone needing first aid receives help quickly and effectively.