How many first aiders are required?

Factors to consider in deciding first aid provision

Specific issues affecting your first aid provision

Use our first aid needs review tool to identify and prioritise these issues. They may indicate that you need to increase the numbers of first aiders or the training level provided.

The types of injuries and illness that have previously occured

Ensure that injuries and illnesses that might occur can be dealt with by the first aid personnel you provide. Compare what's covered in the first aid courses with the types of injuries you might expect:

Even where first aiders are shown to be unnecessary, there is still a possibility of an accident or sudden illness, so you may wish to consider providing qualified first aiders.

The degree of hazard in your work activities and the number of employees

The following table offers guidance to minimum levels of first aid cover in a workplace but is no replacement for a thorough risk assessment.

Based on Appendix 3 ACOP L74 (second edition), issued 1 October 2009
Degree of hazard Number employed
at each location		 Suggested minimum number
of first aid personnel
Low hazard
eg. shops, offices, libraries Less than 25 1 appointed person
25 to 50 1 first aider trained in Emergency first aid at work
More than 50 1 first aider trained in First aid at work per 100 employed (or part thereof)

Higher hazard
eg. light engineering and assembly work, food processing, warehousing, extensive work with dangerous machinery or sharp instruments, construction,
chemical manufacturing
 Less than 5 1 appointed person
5 to 50 1 first aider trained in Emergency first aid at work or First aid at work depending on the type of injuries that may occur
More than 50 1 first aider trained in First aid at work for every 50 employed (or part thereof)