Matthews' Painting Company Improves Current Safety Program

WARSAW, Ind. - Feb. 11, 2015 - PRLog -- Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the United States. Across the United States, February is National Heart Month, a time to learn about the risks for heart disease and stroke and stay "heart healthy" for yourself and your loved ones.

One business in Northern Indiana is recognizing Heart Month by providing employees with lifesaving knowledge. As part of their company commitment toward excellence in service, community involvement and employee safety, Matthews’ Painting Company of North Webster, Indiana recently took part in a three part training series to educate employees on health-related risks and response, including those pertaining to heart disease and stroke.

The training took place in three segments, over a month long period, beginning in late December. The first part included an in-depth look at bloodborne pathogens, universal precautions and OSHA requirements. The second portion, first aid response, covered various types of common medical emergencies, as well as Good Samaritan Laws and ways to respond.

In the final portion of the training, which took place on January 30, 2015, employees were instructed about cardiac risks, as well as emergencies, including heart attacks and sudden cardiac arrest. Additionally, response to choking victims, with newly updated information from the American Red Cross, was taught to Matthews’ Painting Company employees and staff.

The employees also learned about the use of Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) and why these are beneficial in the cardiac chain of life. To pass the class, the employees had to demonstrate competency in CPR for the instructor, Leanne Coffman, President and Senior Management Consultant of the Safety Training Solution, Warsaw, Indiana.

The owner, Jason Matthews, a veteran of the United States Army, spent time practicing and performing life safety skills during his service, and is committed to personal health and safety for himself and his employees.  Of the training, Matthews said, “It has been great to see my employees take an invested interest in this training. It is very fulfilling as a business owner to have a close-knit team that cares for one another.”

The employees received at total of eight contact hours of instruction over these sessions. The training was also assisted by valuable input and practical applications from Matthews’ Painting employee, Ryan Rosbrugh, a local area firefighter.

“CPR Training is an important part of OSHA compliance and it’s a lifesaving measure.” said Coffman, who is an American Red Cross Licensed Training Provider. “For every minute that someone does not receive CPR, their chances of survival decrease 10 percent. It is exciting that Matthews’ Painting Company took these steps toward employee safety and community involvement.”

According to statistics from the American Heart Foundation, in the United States, someone has a heart attack every 34 seconds. The use of CPR dates all the way back to 1740, yet even today, most Americans don't know how to perform it. Given properly and immediately to sudden cardiac arrest victims, CPR is part of the intervention that can save lives.

For more information call Matthews’ Painting Company at 574-834-3575 or visit their website at www.matthewspainting.com.