How many first-aiders do I need?
When assessing the first-aid needs in your workplace consider the following:-
- the nature of the work undertaken
- the hazards present – e.g. chemicals, machinery, processes etc
- the number of staff employed and their levels of experience
- the location of your workplace in relation to emergency medical services
- is there shift work , late night working or lone working?
- the previous accident record in your workplace
The minimum first-aid that should be provided in any workplace is an appointed person, a suitably stocked first-aid box and information for employees about first-aid arrangements. In small, low-risk work environments such as offices and shops you may only need the minimum provision. However, for larger or higher risk work environments you will need to provide suitably trained first-aiders.
What is an appointed person?
An ‘Appointed Person’ is someone you choose to take charge in the event of an accident or if someone falls ill including calling an ambulance if required. They also take charge of keeping the first-aid box fully stocked. Appointed persons should NOT attempt to give first-aid for which they have not been trained. However, there are short courses appointed persons can attend to help them deal with emergency situations.
What is a first-aider?
A first-aider is someone who has successfully undergone a training course in administering first-aid at work and holds a valid certificate. First-aid training should only be carried out by a training organisation which has been approved by HSENI’s Employment Medical Advisory Service (EMAS)
The table below gives some guidance on the number of trained first-aiders that you will need:-
| Category of Risk | Numbers employed at any location | Suggested number of first-aid personnel |
Lower Risk eg shops and offices, libraries | Fewer than 50 50 - 100 More than 100 | At least one appointed person At least one first aider One additional first-aider for every 100 employed |
Medium risk eg light engineering and assembly work, food processing, warehousing | Fewer than 20 20 - 100 More than 100 | At least one appointed person At least one first-aider for every 50 employed One additional first-aider for every 100 employed |
Higher risk eg most construction, slaughterhouses chemical manufacture, extensive work with dangerous machinery or sharp instruments | Fewer than 5 5 - 50 More than 50 | At least one appointed person At least one first-aider One additional first-aider for every 50 employed |
For more information visit the 'First-aid' page or Contact us
