Do i need a First Aider, and how many?

In the UK, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) sets out clear guidelines for when and how many first aiders are required in workplaces, as well as specific situations such as events. 

Workplace Requirements:

1. Low-risk environment for example office, retail and light industrial work

• For fewer than 25 employees, you generally need one appointed person who is responsible for first aid

• For 25-50 employees, at least one first aider trained in Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) is required 

• For over 50 employees, at least one first aider trained in First Aid At Work (FAW) should be available for every 50 employees. 

1. High-risk environments (e.g. Construction sites, factories with machinery, chemical use)

• These workplaces need a higher level of first-aid cover due to the increased likelihood of serious injury. The number of first aiders will depend on the specific risks and workforce size. You will generally need a FAW-trained first aider for every 50 employees, or possibly more depending on the hazard levels. 

1. Low-risk and High-risk Determination:

• If your workplace is low-risk, such as an office, one EFAW-trained person may be sufficient for up to 50 people.

• If your workplace is high-risk, you may need additional first aiders with FAW training and possibly additional provisions, such as emergency medical equipment.

  Number of Works on Site	First Aid Personnel Needed
  Fewer than 5	At least one Appointed Person
  5-50	At least one First Aider trained in EFAW or FAW depending on the type of injuries that might occur
  More than 50	At least one First Aider trained in FAW for every 50 workers

What to consider when determining the risk level of your work environment

When determining the risk level of your work environment in relation to First Aid requirements, consider the following factors:

Nature of Work and Hazards

• Are employees working with hazardous materials, chemicals or biological agents

• Is there a risk of cuts, burns, falls or crushing injuries

• Does the work involve manual handling, heavy machinery or power tools

• Are employees exposed to extreme temperatures, confined spaces or heights.

Workplace size and Layout

• How large is the worksite, lager areas may require more first aid stations

• Are employees working in remote or isolated locations

• How easy is it for emergency responders to access the workplace

  Number of Employees and Visitors

•   Higher employee numbers may increase the likelihood of accidents

• Consider temporary staff, contractors, and visitors who may also need first aid

First Aid Training and Equipment

• Do Employees have adequate first aid training

• Is there an accessible first aid kit with the correct supplies for potential injuries 

• Should the workplace have specialised equipment like a defibrillator 

  Specific Worker Requirements

• Are there employees with medical conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, severe allergies

• Do any workers require special accommodations incase of an emergency

Do you need a First Aider by law?

Yes, employers are legally required to have first-aid provisions in place under the Health and Safety Regulations 1981. The law states that workplaces have adequate and appropriate first aid arrangements, but the specific requirements depend on the nature of the work and the number of employees.

Employers must ensure that there are sufficient first-aid provisions for their employees, this includes:

• First-aid kits that are well-stocked and appropriate for workplace needs

• First Aiders trained to respond in case of injury or illness 

In workplaces with fewer than 5 employees, the law does not require a formally trained first aider, but you must have an appointed person responsible for overseeing first aid arrangements. This person doesn’t necessarily need to be trained in first aid.

Who needs Risk Assessments:

All employers must carry out a risk assessment to determine the appropriate number and level of first aiders based on the workplace’s size, type of work and the potential hazard employees might face. 

The 3 main types of First Aid personnel 

EFAW Trained First Aider – Someone who has completed an 1-day Emergency First Aid At Work (EFAW) training course. This course provides individuals with the essential knowledge and skills to administer First Aid in the workplace. 

FAW Trained First Aider – People who are First Aid At Work Level 3 (FAW). This course is covered over 3 days and includes a wider range of topics including treatment for various injuries and medical conditions. This course is ideal for those working in a high-risk environment. 

Appointed Person – An appointed person is someone who is in charge of first aid arrangements such as first aid equipment and facilities, they are responsible for calling the emergency services if needed. They do not need to be trained first aider, but for added safety we advise that they are. 

Maintaining or replacing contents of a First Aid Kit

You must check your kit regularly and ensure the following steps are taken:

• Medications: Many first aid supplies, such as pain relievers, antiseptics, and bandages, have expiration dates. Always check and replace items that are expired.

• Aspirin, Ibuprofen or other pain relievers – These often expire after 2-5 years

• Antiseptics and Disinfectants – Check for signs of degradation, such as discoloration or solidification. 

• Bandages – Check for any moisture or damage to adhesive bandages, gauze pads or wraps, and replace anything that’s damaged or sticky. 

• Scissors and Tweezers – Ensure they remain sharp and rust-free

How Haswell Training can help you with your First Aid Training

While the need for a first aider can vary depending on the size and nature of your environment, it’s clear that having someone trained in basic first aid is essential for the safety of everyone involved. All courses are accredited by Qualsafe Awards and are Ofqual regulated, ensuring high-quality training standards.

Remember, accidents happen when we least expect them and being proactive about first aid training can save lives, prevent further injury and give you peace of mind. At Haswell Training we can give you peace of mind with our 1-day EFAW course or our 3-day FAW course.