First Aid at Work: How Many First Aiders?

The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities, and personnel to ensure their employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work.

First Aid Needs Assessment

There is no fixed formula for determining first aid provision. You must assess your specific circumstances, considering:

• The nature of your work and workplace hazards
• The size and spread of your workforce
• Your accident and ill health history
• Access to emergency services
• Presence of inexperienced workers or those with disabilities
• Holiday and shift cover requirements

Minimum Recommended Provision

As a general guide, the HSE suggests:

Low Hazard Environments (offices, shops, libraries)

• Fewer than 25 employees: At least one appointed person
• 25-50 employees: At least one first aider (FAW or EFAW)
• More than 50 employees: One first aider for every 100 employees

Higher Hazard Environments (construction, manufacturing, warehouses)

• Fewer than 5 employees: At least one appointed person
• 5-50 employees: At least one first aider (FAW recommended)
• More than 50 employees: One first aider for every 50 employees

Types of First Aid Training

First Aid at Work (FAW)

A comprehensive three-day course covering a wide range of first aid situations. Suitable for higher-risk environments or as main first aid provision.

Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)

A one-day course covering basic life-saving first aid. Suitable for lower-risk environments or to supplement FAW holders.

Appointed Person

Not a trained first aider, but someone who takes charge of first aid arrangements and calls emergency services when needed. A half-day course is available.

First Aid Equipment

At minimum, you need a suitably stocked first aid kit. Contents should be based on your risk assessment, but typically include:

• Sterile plasters of various sizes
• Sterile eye pads
• Triangular bandages
• Safety pins
• Sterile wound dressings
• Disposable gloves
• First aid guidance leaflet

Keeping Records

Record all first aid treatment given, including the name of the patient, date, circumstances, and treatment provided. This helps identify trends and informs your risk assessments.

Integral Safety offers first aid training courses at various levels, delivered at your premises for convenience. Contact us to discuss your first aid needs.