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How many first aiders do I require?

The details shown below are reproduced from the HSE website at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/contact/faqs/firstaid.htm

The relevant regulations are the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981. This guidance to the regulations sets out the
difference between a 'first aider' and an 'appointed person':

In any company, the number and type of first aid personnel would be based on an assessment. In assessing need, employers need to consider:

  • workplace hazards and risks;
  • the size of the organisation;
  • the organisation's history of accidents;
  • the nature and distribution of the workforce;
  • the remoteness of the site from emergency medical services;
  • the needs of travelling, remote and lone workers;
  • employees working on shared or multi-occupied sites;
  • annual leave and other absences of first aiders and appointed persons.

Whilst the regulations do not give specific personnel numbers, the guidance does give suggested numbers of first aid personnel:

Category of risk

Numbers employed at any location

Suggested number of first-aid personnel

Lower risk e.g. shops, offices, libraries

Fewer than 50

At least one appointed person

                                    -

50 - 100

At least one first aider

                                    -

More than 100

One additional first aider for every 100 employed

Medium risk e.g. light engineering and assembly work, food processing, warehousing

Fewer than 20

At least one appointed person

                                    -

20-100

At least one first aider for every 50 employed (or part thereof)

                                    -

More than 100

One additional first aider for every 100 employed

Higher risk e.g. construction, slaughterhouses, chemical manufacture, extensive work with dangerous machinery or sharp instruments

Fewer than 5

At least one appointed person

                                    -

5-50

At least one first aider

                                    -

More than 50

One additional first aider for every 50 employed

The details above are suggestions only - they are not definitive nor are they a legal requirement. It is for you to assess your first-aid needs in the light of your particular circumstances.