New research from health charity St John Ambulance shows that a lack of trained workplace first aiders is causing feelings of anxiety among employees.  

The study reveals that almost three in ten (29%) employees have experienced times when no one present in their workplace was first aid trained.

Concerningly, of first aid trained employees, over two in five (43%) have reported being the only person on site with first aid skills, meaning that if they were to have an accident or emergency at work, there would be no one available to help them.

The research comes as St John Ambulance launches its Save a Life September campaign to encourage organisations to train more of their workforce in life saving first aid.

The study reveals a significant skills gap across all sectors, putting employees in physical and psychological danger. Nearly a quarter (22%) of the workforce have never had any first aid training at all and of those who are trained, over a fifth (22%) have skills that are more than five years old, meaning that they may have forgotten these skills and have outdated qualifications.

Lisa Sharman, National Head of Education and Commercial Training at St John Ambulance, 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.

“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”

The research also showed that almost four in five (79%) employees genuinely care about their colleagues, and the same proportion said they go out of their way to help their colleagues wherever they can.

This highlights a gap between caring and capability, with many staff unable to help their colleagues in an emergency, even though they would want to.  Some of the most popular ways employees show they care about their colleagues include:

• Making a colleague laugh when they’re stressed (43%)
• Taking on extra work to help a colleague (39%)
• Making a tea or coffee when it’s not your turn (34%)
• Covering for them when they were running late (32%)
• Making them a birthday cake (14%)
• Swapping teams with them in the company sweepstake (10%)

Lisa Sharman added: “From cups of tea to emotional support, employees have shown that they’re there for each other at work. But while many people want to help their colleagues in an emergency, not enough would know what to do.

“On average, employees make more than 10 cups of tea and coffee for colleagues each week. Over the course of the year that adds up to more than three full working days of tea-making, more time than it would take them to do a St John Ambulance first aid course, which will equip them with skills to help in all manner of crises, including cardiac arrest, severe bleeding, or choking.2

“Getting first aid trained is one of the strongest, clearest actions a colleague can take to show they care – because it’s practical, life-saving, and puts others first.”

For more information visit sja.org.uk/sals