Appendix 1

Assessment of first aid needs

The minimum first-aid provision for each work site is:

• A suitably marked and stocked first aid container.
• A person appointed to be in charge of the first aid arrangements.
• Information provided for employees on first aid arrangements.

Hazards, accident and ill health records, type of premises and working arrangements such as lone working, shift work, remote working and activities being carried out must be considered.  A checklist can be found in the above mentioned HSE document.

Suggested numbers of trained first aid personnel to be available at all times people are at work:

Schools

Nursery, Early Years, Infant, Junior, Primary. Pupil ages 0 – puberty.

Suggested minimum number of first-aid personnel is based on findings of risk assessment. At least one Paediatric First Aider must be on site at all times. Must also take into consideration first aid requirements for off-site activities. For provision of first aid to staff, see the Workplace provision requirements below.

Secondary. Pupil ages 11 – 18.

Suggested minimum number of first-aid personnel is based on findings of risk assessment. Risk assessment may identify the requirement for the provision of Paediatric First Aid based on student ages and/or physical maturity. Where this is the case, at least one Paediatric First Aider must be on site at all times. For students who have reached puberty, refer to the recommended Workplace provision below. For provision of first aid to staff, see the Workplace provision requirements below.

Workplaces

Low hazard including shops, offices, and libraries.

• Less than 25 employees – At least one Appointed Person.
• 25 – 50 employees – At least one Emergency First Aider.
• More than 50 employees - At least one First Aider for every 100 employed (or part thereof)

Higher hazard including workshops, kitchens laboratories, warehouses, and depots.

• Less than 5 employees - At least one Appointed Person.
• 5 – 50 employees - At least one First Aider or Emergency First Aider, depending on the type of injuries that may occur.
• More than 50 employees - At least one First Aider for every 50 employees (or part thereof).

Other factors must be considered - for example: inexperienced workers, employees who work alone or on shift, if the premises is spread out or in a remote location or if there are hazards such as confined spaces, chemicals, or dangerous machinery. Remember to factor in absence of First Aiders and appoint enough trained staff to cover in all instances. For further advice, contact the Health and Safety Team on 01296 674412 or e-mail healthandsafety@buckinghamshire.gov.uk