Workplace Safety FAQs
Whether you manage a business, school, leisure centre, charity or community organisation, understanding your workplace health and safety responsibilities can sometimes feel overwhelming.
Below we've answered some of the most common questions employers ask about First Aid, Fire Safety and Manual Handling training. Our aim is to help you understand your legal responsibilities, choose the right training and create a safer workplace for your staff and visitors.
Unlike generic online courses, our training is tailored to your workplace, your staff and the risks your team face every day.
1. How many First Aiders does my business need?
There isn't a fixed legal number.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requires employers to carry out a First Aid needs assessment to determine what level of First Aid provision is appropriate for their workplace. Factors such as the number of employees, the type of work being carried out, workplace hazards, shift patterns and lone working should all be considered.
At Elite Lifesaving Skills, we can help you identify the most appropriate level of First Aid cover for your organisation.
2. Does my business legally need First Aid training?
Every employer has a legal duty to provide adequate and appropriate First Aid arrangements for their employees.
The level of training required depends on your workplace and the findings of your First Aid needs assessment. In many workplaces this means having trained First Aiders, while in lower-risk environments an appointed person may be sufficient.
3. How many Fire Marshals does my business need?
There is no fixed legal ratio.
The number of Fire Marshals your organisation requires depends on factors such as:
- Number of employees
- Building size and layout
- Fire risks
- Shift patterns
- Visitors and contractors
- Employees requiring additional assistance during an evacuation
Your Fire Risk Assessment should help determine the appropriate number of trained Fire Marshals.
4. Do my Fire Marshals need training?
Yes.
Anyone appointed to assist with your fire safety arrangements should receive suitable training for their role.
Fire Marshal training helps staff understand:
- Fire prevention
- Emergency evacuation procedures
- Raising the alarm
- Sweep procedures
- Assisting with evacuations
- Responsibilities during a fire emergency
Training should also be refreshed periodically and whenever significant changes occur within your workplace.
5. Does my business need Manual Handling training?
If your employees regularly lift, carry, push, pull or move loads, Manual Handling training is strongly recommended.
This applies to many industries, including:
- Warehousing
- Schools
- Care settings
- Leisure centres
- Hospitality
- Retail
- Offices
- Construction
Good Manual Handling training helps reduce injuries, improve safe working practices and supports employers in meeting their health and safety responsibilities.
6. Is face-to-face training better than online training?
For practical subjects such as First Aid, Fire Safety and Manual Handling, face-to-face training offers significant advantages.
Our instructor-led courses allow delegates to:
- Practise real techniques
- Ask questions throughout the course
- Build confidence through practical scenarios
- Receive immediate feedback
- Work with equipment they'll use in the workplace
Many online courses are useful for awareness, but practical workplace skills are best developed through hands-on training with an experienced instructor.
7. Can training be tailored to our workplace?
Absolutely—and this is one of the biggest differences between Elite Lifesaving Skills and many training providers.
We don't deliver the same presentation to every client.
Instead, we tailor our training to reflect:
- Your workplace
- Your industry
- Your equipment
- Your emergency procedures
- Your staff roles
- Your likely workplace incidents
This makes the training far more relevant, engaging and practical for your team.
8. Can you deliver training at our workplace?
Yes.
Most of our courses are delivered on-site across London, Essex and the surrounding areas.
Training at your workplace allows us to use your own environment during discussions and practical exercises, helping staff understand how to apply their learning in real situations
9. Why choose Elite Lifesaving Skills?
Our courses are designed around one simple principle:
Train people for real emergencies—not just to pass a course.
Every session focuses on practical learning, realistic scenarios and building confidence, helping delegates leave with skills they can apply immediately in the workplace.
10. How do I book workplace safety training?
Booking is simple.
Contact our team to discuss:
- Your workplace
- Number of delegates
- Training requirements
- Suitable course options
We'll provide honest advice and a no-obligation quotation tailored to your organisation.