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BLS & CPR: Vital Steps
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BLS & CPR: Vital Steps
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  • BLS & CPR: Vital Steps

Low-Risk Businesses: Legal Requirements

To determine the first aid in the workplace provision needed in your workplace, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines are a useful starting point. However, these guidelines are just that, a guide. It’s important to conduct a full assessment of your workplace's specific hazards in the workplace and level of risk.

Conducting a thorough first aid needs assessment is essential for determining the required provision of first aid in the workplace and the appropriate first aid equipment for your site. This assessment helps ensure that hazards in the workplace and risks are not underestimated. According to HSE guidance, businesses like offices or shops are generally considered low-risk, but this can vary depending on specific activities.


For example, a shoe repair business in a small shop may pose higher risks due to machinery used for repairs and key cutting. Similarly, office workers using equipment like guillotines, knives, or industrial staplers may require a higher level of first aid provision and personnel, as determined by your needs assessment.


Assuming your assessment has determined that your business is low-hazard, the minimum recommended number of first aid personnel are as follows:


No. of employees                                                              Number of first aid personnel (minimum)

Fewer than 25                                                                      1 appointed person                      

25 to 50                                                                                   1 EFAW first aider at work 

50+                                                                                            1 FAW trained first aider per 100 people


These numbers might seem low because they are intended to cover only the lowest-risk environments. However, even within low-risk workplaces, there is significant variation.

In low-risk businesses, the risk increases with the number of people, leading to a higher chance of injury or illness.

When you have more than 50 people, it becomes necessary to have first aiders with Level 3 FAW qualifications. It's worth considering training individuals to this standard, even if your workforce is smaller, as having more first aiders with higher qualifications often enhances workplace safety.

Medium to Higher-Risk Businesses: Legal Requirements

As you’d expect, the HSE recommends a higher number of first aider at work personnel for more hazardous workplaces. Examples include businesses in sectors such as forestry, agriculture, construction, catering, or engineering, particularly where employees handle chemicals or use machinery.


For these employers, the recommended number of first aid personnel is outlined below.


No of employees                                                         Number of first aid personnel (minimum)

Fewer than 5                                                                  1 appointed person

5 to 50                                                                               1 EFAW trained first aider or 1 FAW trained first aider

50+                                                                                     1 FAW trained first aider per 50 people 


The message is clear: the more hazards present, the more likely accidents are to occur.

Additionally, as the number of personnel increases, so does the likelihood of emergencies such as anaphylaxis or heart attacks. In both scenarios, it’s wise to exceed the minimum requirements by having extra staff with FAW training.

It’s also important to remember that a three-day First Aid at Work course may not be sufficient for every workplace. You may need to consider specialist training if you identify specific risks, such as working with certain chemicals.



When Minimum First Aid Provision May Not Be Enough

While the HSE's recommended numbers are helpful, you need to balance them against several factors during your first aid needs assessment.


Here are some key considerations:


  • Number and Layout of Sites: Ensure there are enough first aiders at each site. Can at least one first aider quickly reach any part of the workplace in an emergency?
  • Different Activities: If your workplace has varied activities, such as a factory with attached offices, you’ll likely need more first aiders in the factory. Conduct separate needs assessments for each area.
  • Previous Accidents and Illnesses: If certain types of accidents or illnesses have occurred before, ensure you have first aiders trained to handle these situations. Also, consider staff with specific health needs or disabilities.
  • First Aid Equipment: You need suitably stocked first aid boxes, ideally meeting British Standard BS 8599-1, and additional items for identified hazards. If you have specialised equipment like a defibrillator, ensure enough first aiders are trained to use it.
  • Specific Injuries: Identify potential injuries like burns, scalds, falls, or poisoning, and ensure you have first aiders with appropriate training and equipment.
  • Proximity to Emergency Services: If your workplace is far from emergency services, have additional first aiders with more specialist training. Inform emergency services of any specific hazards in advance.
  • Visitors: While not obligatory, it’s sensible to have first aid provision for visitors. If children often visit, consider having staff trained in Paediatric first aid.
  • Sufficient Coverage at All Times: Ensure you have the right number of first aiders available during all operating times, considering shift work, out-of-hours operations, and absences.

By planning in advance and assessing your specific needs, you can guarantee continuous first aid coverage and not compromise the health and safety of your employees.

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