How Many First Aiders Do I Need? | First Aid at Work

We are often asked this question by a range of Client's, 'How many First Aider's do I need?'. Let's cut to the chase and try to answer the question.... How Many First Aiders Do I Need? Firstly, we need to determine if your workplace environment is considered low risk e.g. offices, shops. Or, if you operate in a higher risk environment e.g. construction, food processing. Secondly, we must identify how many people are employed by your business. Once you have answered both of the questions above for your business operations, follow the appropriate guidance from Option 1 (Low Risk) and Option 2 (Higher Risk) below: The recommendations below are for guidance purposes only. First Aider needs may vary according to the size, nature and location of a business or organisation and should be assessed by a Competent person. Option 1: Low Risk Environment < 25 Employees The HSE recommends that if work activities are low level hazard (e.g. office or shops) and there’s fewer than 25 employees, only one appointed person as a minimum may be suitable and a first-aider may not be required at all. > 25 Employees If the number of employees in this scenario increases to between 25 and 50, then at least one EFAW first aider is needed. If more than 50 people are employed, then at least one first aider trained in FAW for every 100 employed. 2. Higher Risk Environment <5 Employees If a workplace has higher level hazards present (e.g. warehousing, construction, food processing, heavy engineering), then at least one appointed person is required if there are fewer than five employees. >5 Employees For 5 to 50, at least one first aider trained in FAW or EFAW (depending on the type of injuries that may be sustained) is suggested. When the number of employees exceeds 50, at least 1 first aider trained in FAW for every 50 employed. Do you Need a First Aider? The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations require employers to provide first aid facilities and support that is proportionate to their working environment. (1) An employer shall provide, or ensure that there are provided, such equipment and facilities as are adequate and appropriate in the circumstances for enabling first-aid to be rendered to his employees if they are injured or become ill at work. First Aid Employers Responsibilities Employers must make sure employees get immediate help if taken ill or injured at work. The law applies to every workplace and to the self-employed. You must have:

1. a suitably stocked First Aid Kit
2. an appointed person or people to take charge of first aid arrangements
3. information for all employees telling them about first aid arrangements

What 'adequate and appropriate' first aid arrangements are depends on the work you do and where you do it. You're best placed to understand the nature of your work, so you should assess what your first aid needs are. You must consider:

• the type of the work you do
• hazards and the likely risk of them causing harm
• the size of your workforce
• work patterns of your staff
• holiday and other absences of those who will be first aiders and appointed persons
• the history of accidents in your business

You might also consider:

• the needs of travelling, remote and lone workers
• how close your sites are to emergency medical services
• whether your employees work on shared or multi-occupancy sites
• first aid for non-employees including members of the public

You don't have to write down your findings, but if you do, it will allow you to record how you've decided...