Why Every Workplace Needs a Certified First Aider

Workplace accidents can happen at any time, regardless of industry. Under the Workplace Safety and Health (First Aid) Regulations, every workplace in Singapore with more than 25 workers is required to appoint trained first aiders. But beyond legal compliance, having a certified first aider on site can mean the difference between life and death in the critical minutes before emergency medical services arrive.

A trained first aider is equipped to assess the severity of an injury, administer immediate care for wounds, fractures and burns, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on an unconscious casualty, and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in the event of cardiac arrest. These skills are not just valuable in the workplace. They are transferable to everyday life, whether at home, in public or while travelling.

The Occupational First Aid Course is the mandatory training programme for appointed workplace first aiders in Singapore. Accredited by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and delivered in compliance with ISO 29993:2017, the course covers a comprehensive range of topics including essential first aid principles, management of medical emergencies, industrial toxicology, safety and accident prevention, and an understanding of total workplace safety and health. Participants also receive hands-on training in CPR and AED use, assessed with high performance recording to ensure competency.

For Workplace Safety and Health Officers, the course awards 10 Safety Development Unit (SDU) points, which count towards the Continuing Professional Development programme required for the renewal of registration with the Ministry of Manpower.

Employers sponsoring their staff for the Occupational First Aid Course can benefit from SkillsFuture training grants of up to 70%, Enhanced Training Support for SMEs of up to 90%, absentee payroll funding and SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit (SFEC). Individual Singaporeans aged 25 and above can also utilise their SkillsFuture Credit to offset course fees.

Investing in first aid training is not just about meeting regulatory requirements. It is about building a culture of safety and preparedness that protects your most valuable asset, your people.