Ensuring your team is trained, equipped, and ready for the year ahead.
As we begin 2026, many Northern California safety managers are shifting their focus from holiday wrap-ups to annual compliance audits. While general workplace safety covers a lot of ground, the core of any response plan lies in your team’s ability to handle a medical emergency.
At Safety Training Pros, we know that a certificate on the wall matters less than the confidence of the person standing over a first aid kit. To help you hit the ground running this month, we’ve put together a focused audit of the essential life-saving skills and supplies your workplace needs to stay ahead of the curve.
Audit Your Certification Roster
The start of the year is the best time to identify “compliance gaps” in your staff. If your team was last certified in 2024, their First Aid, CPR, and AED cards are likely approaching their two-year expiration. In California, having a high ratio of trained responders is vital, especially for businesses with multiple shifts or large facilities. Review your training logs this week to see who is due for a refresher and ensure you have at least one certified responder accessible at all times.
Inspect Your AED and Resuscitation Hardware
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a critical investment, but it requires regular checks to remain “rescue ready.” The varied climate in Northern California—from the humidity of the coast to the heat of the Central Valley—can affect the adhesive on electrode pads over time. Check the status indicator on your unit and verify the expiration dates on all pads and batteries. If you have pediatric pads on-site (common for schools or public-facing businesses), make sure those are inspected as well.
It’s important to know how many AEDs you need and where they should go. If you’d rather offload the responsibility of monthly checks, we provide an AED Inspection and Maintenance Program to ensure your hardware is always compliant and ready for use.
Refresh Anaphylaxis and Allergy Protocols
Severe allergic reactions are one of the most common medical emergencies in the modern workplace. It isn’t enough to just have an emergency plan; your team needs the knowledge to recognize anaphylaxis and the confidence to use an epinephrine auto-injector in a high-stress moment. You can add an EPI Administrator certification to your First Aid training or take it as a standalone class. This course teaches students about the causes of severe allergic reactions, how to recognize and treat anaphylaxis, and the hands-on use of auto-injectors. By covering legal considerations and emergency preparation, this certification ensures your staff has the knowledge, training, and personal confidence required to manage the situation effectively.
Restock Your First Aid Kits for 2026
Cal/OSHA requirements for first aid kits are the bare minimum, and to truly protect your team, your supplies should be tailored to your specific industry and risks. A new California law, AB 1976, was signed in September 2024 and will require most employers to include naloxone (Narcan) in their workplace first-aid kits. While the state is currently developing the specific enforcement standards, many Northern California employers are already choosing to include opioid overdose reversal kits (Narcan) as a standard part of their emergency supplies. Conducting a thorough audit of your kits now ensures you have high-quality trauma supplies and are prepared for these upcoming regulatory changes.
Streamline Training with Blended Learning
One of the biggest challenges for Safety Managers is the downtime required for training. In 2026, you don’t need to choose between productivity and preparedness. Our Blended Learning options allow your employees to complete the theory portion of their First Aid or CPR training online at their own pace. This leaves only a short, focused “Skills Session” for hands-on practice, ensuring your team gets the high-quality training they need with minimal disruption to your operations.
Prepare for Major Trauma (Stop the Bleed®)
With the implementation of safety legislation like SB 553 and AB 2260, there is a renewed focus on being prepared for more than just minor cuts and scrapes. California law now mandates that many businesses and schools equip themselves with “trauma kits” (bleeding control kits) similar to the requirements for AEDs. As licensed Stop the Bleed® instructors, Safety Training Pros helps businesses navigate these requirements by teaching staff how to properly use a tourniquet, use hemostatic agents, and apply a pressure dressing.
If you are unfamiliar with the program, you can read our deep dive on What is STOP THE BLEED® and Why Does It Matter? to understand the specific skills involved. Integrating these skills into your training plan ensures your team has the specific knowledge and equipment necessary to respond to serious medical scenarios and remain in compliance with state standards.
Ready to Schedule Your 2026 Training?
Don’t wait for an emergency to find out where the gaps are in your team’s skills. At Safety Training Pros, we’re here to make sure your Northern California workplace is fully equipped and expertly trained.