Is workplace first aid training mandatory?

Par Hugo Lapointe Di Giacomo Le 2021-06-04

The CNESST (The Commission for Standards, Equity, Health and Safety at Work) in Quebec is the government entity that implements the first aid program in the workplace. Find out about employers’ obligations in this area as well as the benefits of this type of training in the event of an incident, accident or the need for first aid in the workplace.

Employer’s first aid obligations according to the CNESST

Every Canadian employer is required to provide first aid training to a certain number of workers within the company. Regulations relating to employee safety oblige employers to ensure the presence of first aiders at work. Moreover, the identity of the trained personnel must be visible to everyone. In the event of an incident or accident, employees can then react quickly.

Future first aid workers are designated by the employer. The nature of the work role of each of them is taken into account in order to ensure a speedy intervention when called upon. These aspiring rescuers will undergo specific training. It should also be noted that these people are required to update their skills in this discipline every three years. At the end of this period, they must again undergo first aid training.

Please note, employers must pay the working hours of first aiders during training as well as the hours of any interventions that may occur. Workplaces must also be equipped with a certain number of first aid kits meeting the standards for incident response.

Why become a first aid worker in a company?

While first aiders are often assigned, volunteers are welcome in the workplace first aid program. You have the opportunity to learn steps that will save lives in the event of an accident in a professional environment. In general, each activity in a company or on site is subject to this obligation and each training must be adapted to the actual activity on the premises.
A company rescuer is a selfless person who learns to overcome his or her own fears in order to help others. It should be noted that the training is comprehensive and allows you to experience realistic situations with less stress and above all without risk.

What are the outcomes of first aid training?

At the end of the course, first aiders in training will acquire particular skills and will be able to:
• Protect and secure the danger zone.
• Deliver first aid measures.
• Alert the emergency services and the fire brigade.
• Respond effectively in an emergency.
• Examine the victims.
• Resuscitate with a defibrillator.

Quality training must be personalized for each workplace. Impact Santé offers diversified training courses that are accessible to employers, individuals and even children. In this area, the company operates in partnership with the Canadian Red Cross. With more than 20 years of collaboration, Impact Santé is today one of the leaders in this field. This brand is a leader when it comes to teaching first aid or even pre-hospital care.

Interested in becoming a first aid worker? In any case, it means being able to provide valuable help to your employees in the event of a work accident.

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