In a continued effort to foster workplace health, safety, and employee wellbeing, the Human Resources Department (HR) has launched a series of impactful initiatives designed to equip staff with essential lifesaving and safety skills, while promoting a culture of wellness and connection across campuses.

The sessions were delivered in collaboration with specialized partners, including C-SEQ Consultancy, the LAU Clinical Simulation Center, and the Lebanese Red Cross. Together, they aimed to provide practical, hands-on learning experiences that can be applied in real situations across the university’s campuses.

“These workshops reflect our dedication to our people,” said Ms. Grace Lebbos, executive director of Staff Relations & Development. “By equipping our teams with essential life-saving skills and safety awareness, we are fostering a more confident and responsive community.”

The Heartsaver® Training, conducted in collaboration with the LAU Clinical Simulation Center and the campuses Health Clinics, brought together 140 participants, primarily staff members who interact regularly with students.

This American Heart Association (AHA)-accredited workshop, consisting of 15 sessions, offered a technology-enhanced learning experience using LAU’s advanced simulation facilities, enabling participants to respond effectively to medical emergencies such as sudden cardiac arrest, injuries, burns, and trauma.

The sessions covered First Aid, CPR, and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), giving participants both confidence and practical competence to act swiftly in emergencies involving sudden cardiac arrest, injuries, burns, or trauma.

Another key training was the Corporate First Aid Training conducted in partnership with the Lebanese Red Cross. Focused on the Protection Unit, this program trained 41 employees across four sessions in vital life-saving interventions, from stabilizing fractures to administering CPR. Thanks to the training, said one participant, “I now feel prepared to step in calmly and provide the right assistance during a medical emergency without panicking.”

Similarly, the Ground Maintenance Team took part in specialized General Safety Rules Training, offered to 48 participants over two sessions. The workshops, developed in close coordination with the Environmental, Health & Safety Unit and C-SEQ Consultancy, focused on practical, everyday precautions such as working safely at heights, using personal protective equipment (PPE), handling electrical tools, and identifying potential hazards.

“I learned how to recognize hazards, ensure my team is using protective gear properly, and apply safe practices when working at heights or in confined spaces,” said one team leader.

Complementing these efforts, HR has also launched a Wellness and Athletics Initiative in collaboration with the Athletics Department. The program encourages faculty and staff, to participate in recreational and sports activities that promote movement, balance, and community connection.

Together, these initiatives form part of a continuous learning cycle, where more employees will be engaged in upcoming sessions, and past participants will periodically renew their certification to sustain a culture of safety and wellbeing. They also reflect LAU’s ongoing work to foster a workplace culture rooted in safety, care, wellness and collaboration, ensuring that every member of the university community feels prepared and supported, both in their roles and beyond.

Looking ahead, HR is developing additional trainings and initiatives to further empower staff and nurture a healthy, supportive workplace for all.