in this guide

What the law actually says The first aid needs assessment Rough numbers as a starting point Which course do they need?

There's a common myth that the law sets a fixed ratio of first aiders to staff. It doesn't. Instead, the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require every employer to provide "adequate and appropriate" first aid — and it's up to you to decide what that means through a simple assessment.

What the law actually says

Every employer must make sure there's enough first aid provision so that someone who is injured or taken ill at work can be helped immediately. At a minimum that means an appointed person, a stocked first aid kit and clear information for staff. Whether you need trained first aiders — and how many — depends on the risks in your specific workplace.

The first aid needs assessment

The HSE recommends working it out by considering:

  • The nature of your work and the hazards involved
  • The size of your workforce and how it's spread across sites
  • Your accident and ill-health history
  • Shift patterns, lone workers and remote sites
  • Distance from emergency medical services
  • Cover for first aiders' holidays and absence

Rough numbers as a starting point

These are widely-used HSE guideline figures — a sensible starting point, not a legal minimum. Always adjust for your own risks:

Low-risk (e.g. offices, shops): with fewer than 25 staff, at least one appointed person; 25–50 staff, at least one Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) trained person; more than 50, one First Aid at Work (FAW) trained person per 100 employees.
Higher-risk (e.g. manufacturing, warehousing): with fewer than 5 staff, at least one appointed person; 5–50 staff, at least one EFAW or FAW first aider depending on hazards; more than 50, one FAW first aider per 50 employees.

Remember to provide cover: if your only first aider is off sick or on holiday, you're no longer compliant — so most workplaces train at least two.

Which course do they need?

Lower-risk, smaller workplaces often only need Emergency First Aid at Work (1 day). Higher-risk or larger workplaces usually need the full First Aid at Work (3 days), with a 2-day requalification every 3 years to stay certified.

We run the Level 3 First Aid at Work Requalification for existing first aiders renewing their certificate. New to first aid, or not sure which level you need? Ask us — we'll point you the right way.

Note: This guide is general information, not legal advice. Always carry out your own first aid needs assessment. See the HSE's free guidance for the full detail.