The retail sector has been reported as the worst industry for first aid training of staff members.
Two in five (38%) of retail staff have never received any first aid training, a study of 2,000 UK employees by St John Ambulance found.
In the retail industry, 46% of first aid trained workers had experienced times when they were the only first aid trained employee on site, leaving them vulnerable if they were to have an emergency themselves.
The research comes as the charity is encouraging organisations to train up more workplace first aiders as part of its Save a Life September campaign.
St John Ambulance national head of education and commercial training Lisa Sharman said: “Inconsistencies in working patterns, hybrid working, and a lack of trained first aiders mean that employees are left at risk of not having any life-saving support in a crisis.
“Building life-saving skills within the workplace not only ensures people can act quickly and confidently, but also helps all employees feel safe at work.
“This Save a Life September, we’re urging employers to provide up-to-date, practical first aid training to show staff they care.”
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She continued: “Even if your workplace seems low-risk – like an office – accidents and emergencies still happen – choking, slips, allergic reactions, or even serious unexpected situations like terrorist attacks or natural disasters.
“Having multiple trained first aiders is an important safety measure that will protect both colleagues and the business.
“Plus, if an employee is harmed due to a lack of first aid provision, the employer may face legal action, fines or prosecution.”
More information about Safe a Life September can be found here.
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