A recent survey conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Survey of Occupational Illnesses and Injuries in 2014 revealed that approximately 3 million non-fatal injuries and illnesses affected private industry workers and 722,000 impacted state and local government workers. Subsequently, accidents and illness can occur anywhere and if this happens in the workplace this can ultimately effect productivity and the "bottom line" for organizations.
Here are a few ways to improve office safety. These include:

1. Take the initiative if something is inoperative. If an office chair breaks or a stairwell light goes out, employees should not hesitate to inform their employers. Meanwhile, employers should act immediately to respond to workers’ on-the-job safety concerns.
2. Provide regular comprehensive safety training. Education and implementing awareness exhibits a major role in workplace safety. If employers develop effective office safety training programs and update their programs regularly, these employers can teach workers how to identify and address on-the-job dangers faster than ever before.
3. Host monthly meetings. Provide a regular opportunity for employees to share ideas and express concerns regarding workplace safety concerns. Not only are monthly employee meeting a stellar time to gather feedback but they also allow employee to share progress and management can convey updates and any changes to safety protocol. 

Ensure that the workplace has the following tools:

1. Fire Extinguisher: Employees must act quickly to minimize damage if a fire does occur. A properly placed and working fire extinguisher can allow employees to work fast to diffuse a fire. Fire extinguishers should be in locations that are easy to find and management should also ensure that all employees can locate these extinguishers.
2. First Aid Kit: Every workplace should have a first aid kit that includes bandages, cold packs, disinfectants and other first aid items. The first aid kit is a necessity in the event that a workplace emergency medical crisis does occur allowing employees to provide immediate assistance until advanced medical personnel arrive on scene.
3. Ergonomic Supplies: Is your workplace chair uncomfortable or your desk too high? The typical office chair or desk may be inadequate, as either of these items may cause employees to suffer carpal tunnel and back and neck pain over Through utilizing ergonomic supplies, an employer can allow employees to remain comfortable as they perform day-to-day tasks, while also minimizing the risk of long-term injuries.
4. Warning Signs: A bathroom that has moisture on the floor can be dangerous with just one step possibly leading to long-term injury or medical emergency. Workplace warning signs and placards are easy to set up and can be used to allow employees to identify trip and fall hazards.
5. Flashlights: Is it important for employees to locate one another and emergency equipment in the event that it is dark and/or if a power outage occurs. Flashlights are a critical asset to a safe atmosphere in the workplace. Employers should try to have plenty of batteries available to ensure these flashlights will remain operational and usable in power outages and other emergencies.

The effect of workplace safety can have a long term impact on an organization. Organizations can benefit from optimizing workplace safety by providing employees with on-site cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This training emphasizes adult, child, and infant CPR, how to properly use an automatic external defibrillator, and how to assist conscious and unconscious choking victims as well as other emergency situations.  
To learn more about our CPR classes, please contact us at 210-380-5344.

Taking an advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) class not only provides you with that extra knowledge to treat cardiac arrest and other life threatening medical emergencies but also provides new career opportunities. Taking an ACLS course is perfect for any healthcare provider or medical professional that wants to know how to respond in a medical emergency.
A few of the reasons that taking the ACLS course is critical include the following:

AN ACLS CERTIFICATION GIVES YOU A VITAL CERTIFICATION TO ADD TO YOU RESUME.
For those individuals interested in the nursing profession, the ACLS certification will provide you with the skills and knowledge to work in an emergency department, intensive care or cardiac care unit. With ACLS not only do you learn what medications to give a patient during a resuscitation, when and how to use the defibrillator and more; but how to identify life threatening conditions. An ACLS certification provides you as a nurse with the ability to help patients manage acute coronary syndrome and stroke. The ACLS class also teaches nurses to be a leader as well as a member of a team in a resuscitation scenario.

THE ACLS CLASS PROVIDES EXTENSIVE TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE. 
The ACLS class provides entry level nurses with extensive knowledge they can use in their interactions with patients while allowing them to move closer to their career goals as a healthcare provider. ACLS training not only provides comprehensive technical knowledge they can use to deliver high-quality patient care but also ensures that the healthcare providers knows how to use the advanced equipment while understanding things such as waveform capnography and how and when to initiate targeted temperature management. Whether in the hospital, urgent care clinic or emergency room the ACLS class will reiterate important emergency medicine terminology and ensure that the healthcare provider can deliver exceptional care.

TAKING THE ACLS CLASS ALLOWS YOU TO STAND OUT IN A GROWING INDUSTRY.
The percentage of nurses entering the workforce is expected to increase while the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has indicated that the number of registered nursing jobs will increase by 16 percent between 2015 and 2025. A few reasons for the rate of increase is due to increasing chronic conditions such as diabetes and stroke as well as the demand of healthcare by the Baby Boomer generation. Consequently the ACLS certification is highly valuable for soon-to-be nurses as it allows them to stand out within a fast growing job market. With the ACLS certification the healthcare provider will be capable of drastically increasing their chances to get their dream job while also increasing their salary as opposed to those that may not have their ACLS certification.


REFLECTS YOUR INTEREST IN LEARNING AND CONTINUING EDUCATION. 
As a nurse or healthcare provider, it is critical to continue to learn and take the required time to invest in resources to obtain such things as your ACLS certification. Not only does this initiative show that you are willing to take the extra time to discover new ways to better assist patients but ACLS training is easily accessible. Help-A-Heart CPR provides ACLS certification to qualified healthcare providers at is training center in San Antonio as well as multiple off-site locations throughout Texas. Help-A-Heart CPR offers two versions of its ACLS course: one that is instructor led in the classroom and a second that includes an extensive portion completed online and then skills testing at their training center. Consequently, Help-A-Hear CPR provides that extra flexibilty allowing you the student to become ACLS certified on your own time.

Are you reading to become ACLS certified? Contact Help-A-Heart CPR at 210-380-5344 or visit its website to learn more about the ACLS certification course.