We've bolstered our first aid coverage on site thanks to a training workshop organised by Stuart Chamberlain, our Health and Safety Officer.
Twelve people from all departments of the company participated in the one-day course delivered by Sheffield-based Direct Training, whose experts have previously provided training at our Sheffield site.
The training covered the whole spectrum of first aid, ranging from cardiopulmonary resuscitation, better known as CPR, and using a defibrillator (which we have on site) to cuts and bruises.
It was delivered in Covid-safe conditions with each participant having their own dummy for CPR training and all close contact work, such as bandaging, being done while wearing face masks.
And Stuart knows Direct Training very well too, having completed his two-day Emergency First Aid and First Aid at Work courses with them in his role as our advanced first aider.
"Because of the work we do, we are classed as quite a high-risk company so it's always worthwhile having an advanced first aider on site," explained Stuart.
"Luckily, we've never had anything worse than cuts and bruises, but it is best to be prepared and meet the standards of the HSE (Health and Safety Executive)."
Our aim is to have enough first aiders to cover all areas of the site and all shifts. The trainees were a mix of first aiders whose qualifications needed renewing and new first aiders adding to the numbers we can call on.
The benefits of being a first aider cover more than work, as Stuart explained: "It's good knowledge to have, it gives you an insight into what to do in an emergency situation at home with family and friends."