How many first aiders does a workplace need?
If you’re an employer, you have a responsibility to ensure that appropriate first aid arrangements are in place to protect your employees.
One of the most common questions businesses ask is: how many first aiders do we actually need?
The answer isn’t necessarily as straightforward as you might think.
There is no fixed legal requirement stating that every workplace must have a specific number of first aiders for a given number of employees. Instead, employers must carry out a first aid needs assessment to determine the appropriate level of provision for their particular workplace.
This assessment helps establish how many trained first aiders are needed, what level of training they should receive and what equipment and facilities should be available.
Is there a legal requirement to have first aiders at work?
The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 place a legal duty on employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to ensure employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work.
However, this doesn’t automatically mean every business must employ a formally qualified first aider.
Depending on the findings of their assessment, some lower-risk workplaces may only need to appoint someone to take charge of first aid arrangements.
This person is known as an appointed person.
Their responsibilities include looking after first aid equipment, ensuring emergency arrangements are in place and contacting the emergency services when required.
Where the assessment identifies a need for trained first aiders, employers must ensure those individuals receive appropriate training from a competent provider.
How many first aiders do I need based on employee numbers?
Although there are no legally fixed ratios, HSE guidance provides indicative numbers to help employers assess their requirements.
The following table summarises general guidance for typical workplaces.
| Workplace type | Number of employees | Suggested provision |
|---|---|---|
| Lower-risk | Fewer than 25 | At least one appointed person |
| Lower-risk | 25–50 | At least one EFAW-trained first aider |
| Lower-risk | More than 50 | At least one FAW-trained first aider per 100 employees (or part thereof) |
| Higher-risk | Fewer than 5 | At least one appointed person |
| Higher-risk | 5–50 | At least one EFAW-trained first aider |
| Higher-risk | More than 50 | At least one FAW-trained first aider per 50 employees (or part thereof) |
These figures are indicative starting points, not mandatory staffing ratios. Your assessment may identify a need for more first aiders, particularly where employees are spread across different locations or shifts.
What factors determine how many first aiders you need?
Employee numbers are only one part of the picture. Employers must consider the wider circumstances of their organisation.
1. The type of work you undertake
Different industries carry different levels of risk.
An office environment may have relatively few workplace hazards, whereas construction, manufacturing, engineering and warehousing may involve machinery, heavy equipment or potentially dangerous substances.
The higher the potential risk, the greater the level of first aid provision may need to be.
2. The size and layout of your premises
A business operating from one small premises may have different requirements from an organisation spread across multiple buildings or sites.
Consider how long it would take for a first aider to reach someone who needs assistance.
3. Employee working patterns
First aid provision needs to be available whenever employees are working.
If your business operates multiple shifts, evenings, weekends or overnight, you should ensure appropriate arrangements are maintained throughout these periods.
4. The number of employees and visitors
Your assessment should consider the number of employees and the circumstances of your workplace.
Where members of the public, contractors or visitors regularly attend your premises, this may also influence your assessment and the arrangements you choose to put in place.
5. Previous workplace accidents
Reviewing accident records can help identify patterns and highlight areas where additional training or equipment may be needed.
For example, a business experiencing repeated manual handling injuries may benefit from reviewing its first aid provision alongside its wider health and safety arrangements.
Does every first aider need a First Aid at Work qualification?
No. The appropriate qualification will depend on the findings of your first aid needs assessment.
There are two common workplace qualifications:
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)
A one-day course covering essential emergency response skills, including CPR, AED use, choking, bleeding and managing an unconscious casualty.
First Aid at Work (FAW)
A more comprehensive three-day qualification covering emergency response alongside a wider range of injuries and medical conditions.
Employers should select the level of training that reflects the risks and requirements of their workplace.
Do I need more than one first aider?
In many cases, yes.
Even if your assessment identifies that one trained first aider is sufficient for your workplace, you should consider what happens when that person is absent.
Annual leave, sickness, training days and changes to working patterns can all affect availability.
Having additional trained employees can help maintain suitable first aid arrangements and reduce the risk of being left without appropriate cover.
How often should workplace first aiders renew their qualifications?
First Aid at Work and Emergency First Aid at Work certificates are generally valid for three years.
Before a certificate expires, the individual should complete the appropriate requalification course to maintain their qualification.
The HSE also strongly recommends annual refresher training to help first aiders maintain their practical skills and confidence.
How can First Response Training help your business?
At First Response Training, we help organisations develop effective workplace first aid provision through practical, accredited training.
Our courses include Emergency First Aid at Work, First Aid at Work and refresher training, with options to suit different industries and working environments.
We can deliver training at your premises, helping you train multiple employees while reducing the need for staff to travel elsewhere.
Our experienced trainers work with organisations across the UK, supporting businesses to develop safer and more prepared workplaces.
Make sure your workplace has the right first aid provision
Understanding how many first aiders your workplace needs is an important part of meeting your responsibilities as an employer.
Rather than relying on a simple employee-to-first-aider ratio, take the time to assess your workplace risks, working arrangements and the level of support your employees may need.
If you’re reviewing your current arrangements or looking to train additional first aiders, First Response Training can help. View our courses here – www.firstresponsetraining.com/first-aid-courses
Contact our team today to discuss your workplace first aid training requirements.
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