How many first aiders are needed?

There is no hard and fast answer. The number of first aiders and appointed persons depends on the level of risk, the number of employees and special factors like the number of shifts and sites your employer operates. Have a look at the updated HSE Approved Code of Practice and Guidance by clicking here.

The HSE leaflet First aid at work: Your questions answered provides some guidance on the number of first aiders depending on the level of risk identified. You can download it for free as a pdf from the HSE website.

Risk category: low (eg shops, offices and libraries)

• Fewer than 50 employees: at least one appointed person
• 50-100 people: at least one first aider
• more than 100 employees: one additional first aider for every 100 employed

Risk category: medium (eg light engineering, food processing plants and warehouses)

• Fewer than 20 employees: at least one appointed person
• 20 to 100 employees: at least one first aider
• More than 100 employees: one additional first aider for every 100 employed

Risk category: high (eg construction sites, chemicals manufacture and work with dangerous machinery)

• Fewer than 5 employees: at least one appointed person
• 5 to 50 employees: at least one first aider
• More than 50 employees: one additional first aider for every 50 employed