Introduction to Health and Safety at Work

Medium risk
e.g. light engineering and assembly work,
Fewer than 20 
At least one appointed person
food processing, warehousing 
20–100 
At least one fi rst aider for every
More than 100 
50 employed (or part thereof)
One additional fi rst aider for every 100 employed
Higher risk
e.g. most construction, slaughterhouses,
Fewer than 5 
At least one appointed person
chemical manufacture, extensive work with 
5–50 
At least one fi rst aider
dangerous machinery or sharp instruments 
More than 50 
One additional fi rst aider for every 50 employed
Source HSE
future, employers will be able to send suitable employ-
ees on either a 6 hour (minimum) emergency fi rst aid 
at work (EFAW) or an 18 hour (minimum) FAW course, 
based on the fi ndings of their fi rst aid needs assess-
ment (see Fig. 6.13). After 3 years, fi rst aiders will need 
to complete another course (either a 6 hour EFAW or 
12 hour FAW requalifi cation course, as appropriate) to 
obtain a new certifi cate. Within any 3 year certifi cation 
period, fi rst aiders should complete two annual refresher 
courses, covering basic life support/skills updates, that 
will each last for at least 3 hours.
No date for the introduction of these courses 
has been set but HSE is aware that FAW training pro-
viders require an adequate lead-in period. There are 
a number of additional issues to be clarifi ed before 
a date can be fi nalized. Firstly, whether the 3 day FAW 
course needs to be trialed in a pilot study prior to its 
introduction. Secondly, consideration will be given to 
any arrangements that need to be put in place for the 
approval and monitoring of those providers wishing to 
offer the EFAW course and whether these arrangements 
should be extended to those offering annual refresher 
training.
HSE will revise the guidance for employ-
ers in its publication: 
First Aid at Work: The Health 
and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 Approved 
Code of Practice and Guidance (L74)
. This will 
help employers understand the new training 
regime and will provide more detailed informa-
tion on how to conduct a fi rst aid needs assessment. 
HSE recognizes this is crucial in ensuring employers send 

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