Legal Requirements

The designated person must be available at all times and therefore you may need to appoint a number of first aiders, who can ensure that at any time there is a trained person on site. The designated first aid personnel must undergo a training course in administering first aid at work and hold an first aid at work certificate. The training course has to have been approved by the Health and Safety Executive and a list of courses within your area can be obtained from the HSE. There are no hard and fast rules as to how many first aiders you need, this will depend on the circumstances and work patterns of each organization, however the tables below show an indication as to recommended numbers (you should always assess your requirements and calculate your own numbers and equipment):

It is important to note that the figures in the table are not definitive and it is for you to assess your own company's first aid requirements in light of your own company's circumstances. Finally, once you have appointed your first aider/s you must inform the work force as to whom these people are. This can be done via notices, internal communications etc - and remember to make arrangements for any employee with reading or language difficulties. Further information regarding First Aid and the work place can be obtained from the Health and Safety Executive, www.hse.gov.uk .