How Many First Aiders Does My Glasgow Business Need? (HSE Rules)

If you operate a business in Glasgow—whether it's a bustling cafe in Shawlands, a corporate office in the IFSD, or a retail store in the St. Enoch Centre—you have a legal obligation to protect the health and safety of your employees.

Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, employers must provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities, and personnel to ensure their employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work.

But what exactly does "adequate and appropriate" mean? How many first aiders do you actually need?

1. The First Aid Needs Assessment

There is no one-size-fits-all legal number. Instead, the HSE requires every employer to conduct a First Aid Needs Assessment. This assessment determines the specific requirements of your workplace based on several key factors:

• The nature of the work: Are employees working with dangerous machinery, hazardous chemicals, or the public?
• Workplace hazards and risks: Are slips, trips, and falls common? Is there a risk of burns or severe cuts?
• The size of the organization: How many employees are on-site at any given time?
• Work patterns: Do you operate shift work? You must have adequate first aid cover for all shifts, including nights and weekends.
• The history of accidents: Have there been frequent incidents in the past?

2. Low-Risk vs. High-Risk Environments

To simplify the process, the HSE categorizes workplaces into two broad groups.

Low-Risk Workplaces

Examples include standard offices, libraries, and small retail shops. The risks of severe injury are minimal.

• Fewer than 25 employees: At least one Appointed Person is required.
• 25 to 50 employees: At least one person trained in Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW).
• More than 50 employees: At least one person trained in First Aid at Work (FAW) for every 100 employees.

High-Risk Workplaces

Examples include construction sites, factories, warehouses, and extensive catering kitchens. The potential for severe injury (like machinery accidents or chemical burns) is significant.

• Fewer than 5 employees: At least one Appointed Person.
• 5 to 50 employees: At least one person trained in First Aid at Work (FAW) or EFAW, depending on the specific hazard assessment.
• More than 50 employees: At least one FAW-trained person for every 50 employees.

3. Appointed Person vs. Qualified First Aider

It's crucial to understand the difference between these roles:

• Appointed Person: This person is responsible for looking after the first aid equipment (e.g., restocking the first aid box) and calling the emergency services when required. They do not need formal first aid training, though it is highly recommended.
• EFAW Qualified: An employee who has completed a 1-day Emergency First Aid at Work course. They are trained to give emergency first aid to someone who is injured or becomes ill while at work.
• FAW Qualified: An employee who has completed the comprehensive 3-day First Aid at Work course. They hold a higher level of training to deal with a wider range of specific injuries and illnesses.

4. Protecting Your Business

Failing to meet these HSE regulations can result in severe legal and financial penalties, particularly if an employee is injured and appropriate care is not available.

If your First Aid Needs Assessment indicates that you need EFAW-trained staff, Instant Services provides Highfield-accredited, 1-day Emergency First Aid at Work courses at our Tradeston training centre in Glasgow. We can help ensure your business remains legally compliant while providing your staff with life-saving skills.