How Many First Aiders Does My Business Need? | HSE Guidance Explained
How Many First Aiders Does My Business Need?
The Answer Might Surprise You
If you've searched online for "How many first aiders does my business need?", you've probably found lots of different answers.
Some websites say one first aider for every 50 employees.
Others suggest every workplace must have a trained first aider.
The truth is a little different.
Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, employers must provide adequate and appropriate first-aid equipment, facilities and personnel. Exactly what this means depends on your workplace and the findings of your first-aid needs assessment.
There Isn't a One-Size-Fits-All Answer
The HSE does not set a fixed legal number of first aiders for every business.
Instead, employers should assess factors such as:
- Number of employees
- Type of work being carried out
- Workplace hazards
- Previous accident history
- Shift patterns
- Lone workers
- Multiple buildings or sites
- Distance from emergency medical services
- Members of the public visiting the premises
A low-risk office with ten employees has very different needs to a leisure centre, school or warehouse.
What Is a First-Aid Needs Assessment?
A first-aid needs assessment helps determine what level of first-aid provision your organisation requires.
It considers:
- The risks within your workplace.
- The number of people on site.
- The likelihood of injuries or medical emergencies.
- Whether additional equipment or specialist training may be needed.
The assessment helps employers decide whether they need:
- An Appointed Person
- Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) trained staff
- First Aid at Work (FAW) trained staff
- Additional specialist training where appropriate.
General HSE Guidance
Although there are no fixed legal numbers, the HSE provides general guidance that many employers use as a starting point.
Low-risk workplaces
Fewer than 25 employees
An appointed person may be sufficient, depending on the outcome of your needs assessment.
25–50 employees
At least one Emergency First Aid at Work or First Aid at Work qualified first aider may be appropriate.
Over 50 employees
You may require additional trained first aiders depending on the size, layout and risks within your organisation.
Remember, these are only general guides—not legal requirements—and your needs assessment may indicate that you need more or fewer trained personnel.
Higher-Risk Workplaces
Businesses with increased risks will usually need greater first-aid provision.
Examples include:
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Leisure centres
- Swimming pools
- Warehouses
- Engineering
- Care environments
- Schools
- Hospitality venues with large numbers of visitors
These workplaces often benefit from fully qualified First Aid at Work personnel rather than relying solely on Emergency First Aid training.
Don't Forget Cover for Holidays and Sickness
One mistake many organisations make is training only one member of staff.
What happens if they're:
- On annual leave?
- Off sick?
- Working from another site?
- Attending training elsewhere?
Your first-aid arrangements should ensure suitable cover is available whenever employees are at work.
Your First-Aid Equipment Matters Too
Training is only part of the picture.
Every workplace should also make sure that First Aid equipment is:
- Easy to find
- Clearly labelled
- Regularly inspected
- Fully stocked
- Within expiry dates
- Free from damage
- Replenished after every use
A First Aid kit can't help anyone if essential items are missing or out of date. The HSE recommends checking kits regularly and restocking them as soon as items are used.
Confidence Is Just as Important as Compliance
Meeting your legal duties is important.
But the real objective is making sure that, if someone collapses or becomes seriously ill, there is somebody nearby who has the knowledge and confidence to act.
At Elite Lifesaving Skills, every workplace course follows The ELS Standard™, combining practical scenarios with hands-on learning to help delegates leave feeling confident—not just qualified.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it a legal requirement to have a trained first aider?
Not always. It depends on your first-aid needs assessment. Some low-risk workplaces may only require an appointed person, while others will need trained first aiders.
How often should First Aid certificates be renewed?
First Aid at Work and Emergency First Aid at Work certificates are valid for three years. The HSE also strongly recommends annual refresher training to help maintain practical skills.
Who is responsible for deciding how many first aiders we need?
The employer is responsible for carrying out a first-aid needs assessment and deciding what provision is appropriate for the workplace.
References & Further Reading
Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 – Guidance (L74)
The main HSE guidance explaining employers' legal responsibilities for first aid provision, first-aid needs assessments, appointed persons and workplace first aiders.
https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l74.htm
HSE – First Aid at Work: What Employers Need to Do
Guidance on carrying out a first-aid needs assessment, providing suitable equipment, first aid rooms and workplace arrangements.
https://www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid/what-employers-need-to-do.htm
HSE – Are You a First-Aider?
Explains the differences between Appointed Persons, Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW), First Aid at Work (FAW), certificate validity and annual refresher training.
https://www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid/first-aider.htm
HSE – First Aid in Work (Overview)
A practical guide for employers covering minimum legal requirements, first aid kits, appointed persons and staff information.
https://www.hse.gov.uk/simple-health-safety/firstaid/
HSE – First Aid at Work: Your Questions Answered (INDG214)
Helpful employer guide covering:
- First-aid needs assessments
- Suggested numbers of first aiders
- First aid kits
- Appointed persons
- Employee information
- Holiday and sickness cover
https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg214.pdf
Information correct at the time of publication: This article is based on current guidance from the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE). As legislation and guidance may change, employers should always refer to the latest official HSE publications when reviewing their first-aid arrangements.
Need Help Reviewing Your First Aid Provision?
Not sure whether your workplace has the right level of First Aid cover?
Whether you're reviewing your First Aid arrangements, planning staff training, or simply want advice on your legal responsibilities, Elite Lifesaving Skills is here to help.
We deliver engaging, practical workplace First Aid training across London, Essex and the surrounding areas, helping businesses, schools and organisations build confident teams and safer workplaces.
We can help with:
- ✅ Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)
- ✅ First Aid at Work (FAW)
- ✅ Paediatric First Aid
- ✅ AED & CPR Training
- ✅ Workplace First Aid Advice
- ✅ First Aid Needs Assessments Guidance
- ✅ Group & On-Site Training
Get in Touch Today
If you'd like to discuss your workplace First Aid requirements or request a no-obligation quote, we'd be delighted to help.
📧 Email: info@elitelifesavingskills.com
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