EMPLOYERS across the town are being urged to make sure they have proper first aid cover in place when millions of people get struck by Olympics fever.

Leading first aid charity St John Ambulance is advising businesses to start preparing now for any disruption likely to be caused by the forthcoming games and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Workers across the UK will be taking time off to join in the celebrations spanning the arrival of the Olympic torch in May through to the Paralympics in September.

The Jubilee celebrations look set to cause further disruption as thousands of people plan celebrations in communities across the country or head for the capital over the weekend of June 2 to 5.

John Cavanagh, regional director for St John Ambulance in the south west, said: “This is a momentous year for the UK and the last thing we want is to see any of these celebrations falling at the first hurdle due to workplace injuries.

“Not only is it a legal requirement to have adequate first aid cover in place, but when you consider that first aid training is very often the difference between a life lost and a life saved it’s also one of the greatest ways employers can demonstrate their commitment to their staff.”

For information about risk assessment or first aid courses, which can be delivered on-site or in one of St John Ambulance’s training centres in Swindon and other locations around Wiltshire, call 0844 324 5535 or visit www.sja.org.uk