How many first aiders are required?
The following table offers guidance to minimum levels of first
aid cover in a workplace but is no replacement for a thorough
risk assessment.
Please note the first aid regulations will
change with effect from 1 October 2009. See our comprehensive set
of questions and answers for information
about how these changes will affect your obligations.
Table from ACOP L74, issued March 1997 - correct as at
January 2008
| Category of risk |
Number employed
at each location |
Suggested minimum number
of first aid personnel |
| LOWER RISK |
| e.g. shops, offices |
Less than 50 |
1 appointed person |
| 50 to 100 |
1 first aider |
| More than 100 |
1 additional first aider per 100 |
| MEDIUM RISK |
e.g. light engineering,
food processing,
warehousing |
Less than 20 |
1 appointed person |
| 20 to 100 |
1 first aider |
| More than 100 |
1 additional first aider per 100 |
|
HIGH RISK
|
e.g. construction,
chemical manufacturing,
dangerous machinery |
Less than 5 |
1 appointed person |
| 5 to 50 |
1 first aider |
| More than 50 |
1 additional first aider per 50 |