When should first aid training be conducted for employees?

First aid training should be conducted annually or whenever retraining is necessary to ensure that employees maintain their skills and knowledge in emergency response. Regular training helps to reinforce the procedures and techniques that can save lives and reduce the severity of injuries in the workplace.

Conducting training only at the start of employment would not adequately prepare employees for emergencies that may occur long after their initial training. It is crucial for employees to have up-to-date skills, especially as procedures and protocols may evolve. Additionally, first aid knowledge can diminish over time if not practiced regularly, making it critical to have annual refreshers or retraining sessions to keep skills sharp and instill confidence in the employees.

Training as needed during emergencies is reactive; it anticipates occurrences rather than preparing employees in advance, which can lead to delays and uncertainty in critical situations. Similarly, scheduling training every five years is too infrequent to maintain proficiency and can result in employees being unprepared for emergencies during their tenure. Annual or on-demand retraining ensures that all employees are ready and equipped to respond effectively when first aid situations arise.