Is SST training compulsory?

All about SST training :

Sauveteur Secouriste du Travail (SST) training is essential to guarantee employee safety in the workplace. Its aim is to train people to intervene quickly and effectively in the event of a workplace accident, while awaiting the arrival of specialized emergency services.

The main aim of SST training is to train employees to provide first aid to any victim of a workplace accident, while waiting for specialized assistance. It is based on the prevention of occupational hazards and the learning of first aid techniques. The skills acquired during this training are regularly updated to ensure their effectiveness in real-life situations.

Is SST training compulsory? What are the requirements for SST training? Who should attend?

Let's answer these questions together.

How do I become an SST?

Any company employee has the opportunity to train to become a First Aid attendant. Usually, it's the HR department, or the department responsible for training, that proposes this training. first aid training.

In large groups, an SST trainer may even be available in-house. If your employer doesn't offer training, you can apply for it by following the usual company procedures. As with all vocational training, the company will cover the related costs, through the use of the Compte Professionnel de Formation (CPF).

It goes without saying that OHS training is designed to ensure employee safety and a peaceful, pleasant working environment. Trained employees are clearly recognized as SSTs, and although they have no obligation to succeed, they can be called upon for minor incidents (such as scratches or discomfort) or major emergencies (such as a serious on-site accident or cardiac arrest).

Opting for the role of OHS means becoming involved on behalf of your employer and peers as a point of reference. It's a voluntary decision, aimed at those who want to be more involved and feel able to act when needed.

Is SST training compulsory?

For the employee, compulsory SST training is voluntary. They are therefore not obliged to take the training.

In addition, to maintain their qualification, they must renew their training every two years with a 7-hour continuing education session.

What's in it for the company?

As far as the company is concerned, the situation is more nuanced. The French Labor Code states that "the employer, after consulting the occupational physician, must put in place the necessary measures to provide first aid to victims of accidents or illnesses" (Article R4224-16). The employer is therefore obliged to train some of his employees in first aid to ensure the safety of all staff. The only exception concerns companies where doctors or nurses are constantly present during working hours.

In short, there must be individuals on site capable of providing first aid in the event of illness or accident. SST training is one way of meeting this requirement, but it's not the only one. Other first-aid training courses, such as PSC1 (1 day) or Gestes Qui Sauvent (1 to 2 hours), are also relevant.

Specific rules apply to high-risk, long-term workshops or worksites where there is an increased risk of accidents (Article R4224-15 of the French Labor Code). For more details on employer responsibilities, please consult our special article.

To clarify: SST training is not a formal obligation. However, it is strongly recommended to train staff in order to reduce the risk of accidents and ensure rapid response in the event of an emergency.

Now you have an overview of the options available. OHS training takes a "one for all" approach, with a few specialized employees looking after collective safety. GQS training, on the other hand, adopts a "Each one for the other" philosophy, where the majority of employees know the basics of first aid and can help their colleagues. With this in mind, irwino has developed an accessible and effective virtual reality training course, enabling rapid implementation for a large number of participants.

Who is required to undergo SST training?

Learning first aid is always beneficial. It can save lives in a variety of circumstances. However, there are some contexts where SST training becomes a requirement.

In the building and construction sector The law has set specific criteria for construction-related professions, as stipulated in the French Labor Code. Every company in this sector must have at least one member of staff trained in OHS, particularly when it comes to :

• Sites or workshops with high-risk operations.
• Structures employing more than 20 people for a period exceeding 15 days, where hazardous activities are planned. It is suggested to have at least one first-aider per site. INRS recommends a ratio of 10 to 15% of first-aiders to the total number of employees.

In the absence of on-site medical services The Labor Code outlines the employer's responsibility to protect its employees. In the absence of medical personnel, such as a nurse, the employer is required to provide first aid.

This implies having people on site with the skills required to provide such care. In this context, the training of first-aiders is essential. If no medical personnel are available, an SST employee must be present on site.

For safety personnel SST training is also an obligation for certain safety professionals as part of their duties.

Airport security guards, for example, must undergo this training. Their mission is to prevent the introduction of prohibited items into the airport. This certification enables them not only to devote themselves to surveillance and security, but also to intervene as first-aiders if necessary.

When is it time to retrain for compulsory SST training?

To keep his or her skills up to date, the Sauveteur Secouriste du Travail is required to take part in an SST refresher course every 24 months. This session is commonly referred to as "Formation de Maintien et d'Actualisation des Compétences SST" (or MAC-SST for short). It lasts 7 hours, during which the rescuer rehearses movements and reviews fundamental principles. After all, it's unlikely (and fortunately!) that you'll have to work with your peers on a daily basis. So it's crucial to practice frequently and to remind yourself of the procedures to follow. These reminder sessions will help you feel more confident and less anxious in the event of a real emergency.

and virtual reality?

Virtual reality (VR) is revolutionizing OHS training with immersive, memorable and cost-effective simulators. At IRWINO, we offer training modules dedicated to professional trainers. These modules offer ultra-realistic simulations, stimulating learners' senses and emotions. Immersion guarantees an average memorization of 90% of information, making training more effective. What's more, VR saves considerable time, with rapid installation and reduced training time per trainee.

Benefits of Virtual Reality Training

• Ultra-realistic setting VR offers total immersion, enabling trainees to experience situations that are very close to the real thing.
• Enhanced memory Immersion ensures better retention of information, which is essential for the practical application of the skills learned.
• Total control by the trainer Trainers can monitor trainee progress in real time and adjust training accordingly.
• Time saving VR enables faster training, ideal for companies wishing to train a large number of employees in a short space of time.

OHS training is crucial to ensuring employee safety in the workplace. With the advent of virtual reality, this training is now more immersive, effective and tailored to companies' needs. It is essential for companies to recognize the importance of this training, and invest in innovative methods to guarantee the safety of their employees.

Would you like to take an innovative and memorable SST or first-aid training course?

If you're considering OHS training, we strongly encourage you to opt for trainers or training centers that integrate virtual reality (VR) into their program. VR offers total immersion, making learning more concrete and memorable. As a result, the quality of training is significantly enhanced, preparing you effectively to intervene in real-life situations. If you would like to know which companies and independent trainers are using our SST VR virtual reality training solution, please contact us.

Choose excellence and innovation for your training!

Find out more about first aid training

Link to the government website about first aid training and lifesaving gestures

INRS website about the SST training referential