subject: Health And Safety Training Is Given To Ensure A Work Environment [print this page] First aid is the term applied for the initial care that is given in the case of an injury or an illness. Usually first aid is provided by a person trained in first aid techniques. This person may not be an expert, but he will be able to provide necessary aid till such time as more comprehensive medical treatment is possible. In certain circumstances, provision of first aid can save a life, and in other cases, such as minor injuries, additional medical treatment may not be necessary. The basic aims of first aid are to save and preserve life, prevent an existing condition from worsening, and to help in the start of the recovery process.
In UK, first aid training is usually imparted in two types of courses an Emergency First Aid at Work course and a more comprehensive First Aid at Work course. The former course lasts typically for a day, and will cover basic but critical components of first aid delivery such as action to be taken to deal with cardiac arrest or severe bleeding. The First Aid at Work course lasts for about 3 days, and is assessed by Health Safety Executive assessors. This is a more comprehensive course, and is required to be done by law.
Health and Safety Training
Health and safety training is given to ensure a work environment that is safe and healthy. It covers aspects of welfare, health and safety of people who are working or employed in organizations and at other work places.
Health and safety training usually encompasses aspects of Health and Safety Law, Accidents and Ill Health (covering such aspects as - prevention of accidents, risk assessment, first aid at work, personal protective equipment), Workplace safety (which deals with workplace health, safety and welfare, work equipment, electricity, and fire prevention) and Occupational Health (hazardous substances, ergonomics and workstation design, manual handling, and noise). This is a comprehensive training which culminates in an assessment and a certification which is valid for a three-year period. It involves a multi-disciplinary approach, and draws from medicine, hygiene, public health, safety engineering, chemistry and ergonomics.
