HSE Recommendations


In general the larger the workforce, the more first aid provisions that will be required. However the number of employees should not be the only consideration for determining first aid needs. Where the working environment is considered hazardous or the work involves particular risks more first aider's may be required, so employers should make separate assessments for each individual building. The ACOP gives the following table as a guide to the minimal requirements.

Type of Risk 

Number of Employees 

First Aider / Appointed Person 

Low Risk

(Shops, Libraries, Offices etc) 

Fewer than 50

50 - 100

More than 10

At least one appointed person

At least one first aider

One additional first aider for every 100 employed. 

Medium Risk

(Light Engineering, Assembly work, food processing etc) 

Fewer than 20

20 - 100

More than 100 

At least one appointed person

At least one first aider for every 50 employed (or part off)

One additional first aider for every 100 employed. 

Higher Risk

(Most Construction, Slaughter houses, Chemical manufacture

Dangerous machinery etc) 

Fewer than 50

5 - 50

More than 50

 

At least one appointed person

At least one first aider

one first aider for every 50 employed 

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