Two in five construction workers anxious about the lack of first aiders

More than half (51%) of first aid trained workers have experienced times when they are the only first aid trained employee on site, the worst of any sector 

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 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, no one would be 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a fifth (22%) have skills that are more than five years old, meaning that they may have forgotten these skills and have outdated qualifications.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 ensures people can act quickly and confidently and helps all employees feel safe at work. This Save a Life September urges employers to provide up-to-date, practical first aid training to show staff they care.”

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%)