Introduction to Health and Safety at Work

Introduction to Health and Safety at Work
96
It is not possible to give hard and fast rules on when 
or how many fi rst aiders or appointed persons might 
be needed. This will depend on the circumstances of 
each particular organization or worksite. Table 6.2 offers 
suggestions on how many fi rst aiders or appointed 
persons might be needed in relation to categories of risk 
and number of employees. The details in the table are 
suggestions only, they are not defi nitive, nor are they 
a legal requirement.
Employees must be informed of the fi rst-aid 
arrangements
. Putting up notices telling staff who and 
where the fi rst aiders or appointed persons are and 
where the fi rst-aid box is will usually be enough. Special 
arrangements will be needed for employees with reading 
or language diffi culties.
6.9.7
Suggested numbers of fi rst-aid 
personnel
To ensure cover at all times when people are at work and 
where there are special circumstances, such as remote-
ness from emergency medical services, shiftwork, or 
sites with several separate buildings, there may need to 
be more fi rst-aid personnel than set out in Table 6.2.
6.9.8
Provision must be suffi cient to cover for 
absences.
In June 2006 the HSE indicated that upon their review of 
the First Aid Regulations they decided to retain approval 
of the training courses within the HSE but make changes 
to the structure of the course. The intention is that in 
Table 6.2
Number of fi rst-aid personnel
Category of risk 
Numbers employed at
Suggested number of fi rst-aid personnel
 any 
location
Lower risk
e.g. shops and offi ces, libraries 
Fewer than 50 
At least one appointed person
50–100 
At least one fi rst aider
More than 100 
One additional fi rst aider for every 100 employed