Assessment of first aid needs

The amount and type of first aid cover which should be provided in a workplace is covered by the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 and should be based on the circumstances in each workplace.  In small low risk workplaces, it may be sufficient to rely on appointed persons only and there may be no need for a first aider at all.

The aim should be to ensure that there is a first aider, emergency first aider or appointed person available at all times during normal working hours, although in very small workplaces this may not be possible.  Volunteers should be treated in the same way as employees for the purposes of first aid provision.

The amount of first aid cover should be based on an assessment of risk using the checklist and the guide figures given in Appendix 1. If you are unsure, please contact the BC H&S Team for advice by calling 01296 674412 or email healthandsafety@buckinghamshire.gov.uk 

Where the assessment shows first aiders or emergency first aiders are needed then they must all be designated and receive the appropriate payment.

Employees carrying out hazardous activities on site (use of electric power tools or other harmful equipment) or working with groups of clients or volunteers may also require specialist first aid training

Schools, services, and establishment managers should take pupils, members of the public and clients into account when planning the provision of first aid.

Special training may be needed if first aid provision for children is required; Paediatric First Aid courses are available for early years children and schools (age 0 – puberty).  The age of the casualty may affect the type of first aid procedure required such as resuscitation techniques.

First aid arrangements should also take into account off site trips and visits where first aid cover for the visit and that for those remaining in the establishment must be considered.