According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of fatal workplace injuries among Hispanic workers continues to climb. In addition, the U.S. Census reports that there are more than 28 million Spanish speaking people in the United States - 5.1 million do not speak English well and nearly 3 million do not speak English at all.

A large factor contributing to the higher than average injury rates among Spanish-speaking workers is the English/Spanish language barrier. Lack of effective communication and training within a bilingual workforce raises a number of safety issues and can put your organization at risk for fatalities and lawsuits.

Fortunately, there are a number of bilingual resources available from the American Red Cross designed to help improve worker safety. The Red Cross offers a variety of training options in Spanish, including first aid; adult, child and infant CPR; and automated external defibrillation (AED). Plus, our courses utilize skills cards, DVDs, classroom lecture and hands-on training to more effectively engage participants and teach them the skills they need to save a life.

With training from your Red Cross, Spanish-speaking employees gain the same knowledge and skills as their English-speaking co-workers, helping to ensure their ability to work together effectively when emergencies do occur.

Training Options Available in Spanish:

Standard First Aid with CPR/AED—Adult (6 ½ hours)
Our most comprehensive training course for employees, this session provides training in first aid, adult CPR and AED skills

Standard First Aid with CPR—Adult (5 ½ hours)
This course provides first aid and adult CPR training and explains the role of AEDs in emergency cardiac care.

First Aid (3 ¾ hours)
Participants learn first aid skills for treating a variety of injuries and sudden illnesses.

CPR/AED—Adult (4 ½ hours)
Participants learn adult CPR and AED skills to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies.

CPR—Adult (3 ½ hours)
For employees who need adult CPR training only, this course also reviews the role of AEDs in emergency cardiac care.

CPR—Child and Infant (4 ¼ hours)
Ideal for teachers and daycare workers, this course prepares participants to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies in infants and children up to 12 years old. Child AED training may also be added.

First Aid/CPR/AED for the Lay Responder Instructor Training (17 ½ hours)
You can send select employees to our train-the-trainer courses, which prepare them to train the rest of your staff.

Flexible, Convenient Training Options
Whether you need to train two staff members or hundreds of people in multiple locations, the Red Cross can help. Our flexible training options will help you to meet OSHA guidelines and prepare your staff to save lives. Have your training on-site, at your local Red Cross chapter, or send your employees to train-the trainer courses and prepare them to be able to certify the rest of your staff.

Language should never be a barrier in learning to save a life, which is why the American Red Cross is committed to providing health and safety courses, products and training materials in Spanish and English.

For more information about Spanish-Language First and CPR/AED training, contact your local Red Cross chapter or visit www.redcross.org or www.cruzrojaamericana. You can order products through your local Red Cross chapter, by visiting www.shopstaywell.com or by calling (800) 667-2968.

Become a regular subscriber to SafetyNET for the latest in safety and preparedness in the workplace and at home.