Number of first aiders required

Factors to consider

Contained within the legislation is a requirement for employers to provide adequate first aid cover to protect their employees and visitors. To identify the number of first aiders and first aid equipment needed, the employer must carry out a first aid needs risk assessment.

The assessment should consider factors such as:

• Size of the organisation
• Number of employees
• Visitors and contractors
• History of accidents and illnesses
• Distribution of the workforce, shift patterns and travelling arrangements
• Special considerations, such as pregnant workers, disabilities, etc
• Cover for first aiders due to holidays and sickness
• Types of machinery or chemicals onsite
• Lone workers
• Employees who travel to various sites

Suggested number of first aiders

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has created a table to assist employers in determining the number of first aiders required.