Assessing First Aid Needs for Your Workplace: A Guide for HR Professionals
Why a First Aid Needs Assessment is Essential for Workplace Safety
Every business, regardless of size or industry, must ensure that adequate first aid provisions are in place. A First Aid Needs Assessment is the first step in determining how many trained first aiders are required, what first aid equipment is needed, and how to respond effectively to medical emergencies.
A First Aid at Work Course is an essential investment for organisations in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Bristol, Hassocks, and Brighton. Without a clear assessment, businesses risk non-compliance with UK law, increased liability, and workplace injuries that could have been prevented.
What is a First Aid Needs Assessment?
A First Aid Needs Assessment is an evaluation of workplace risks, hazards, and staffing requirements to determine the level of first aid training and equipment needed.
Key Factors to Consider in a First Aid Needs Assessment
- Workplace Hazards – Does your workplace have risks such as manual handling injuries, burns, or exposure to hazardous substances?
- Number of Employees – How many staff members are on-site, and how many require first aid training?
- Workplace Layout – Are employees spread across multiple locations, floors, or working remotely?
- Past Incidents – Have there been previous workplace injuries, and were they managed effectively?
How to Conduct a First Aid Needs Assessment
Step 1: Identify Workplace Hazards
Workplaces in different industries will have different first aid requirements.
- Offices in London may have low risks but still require basic first aiders.
- Construction sites in Birmingham face high risks such as falls, heavy machinery injuries, and burns.
- Factories in Leeds must consider chemical exposure, manual handling, and machinery-related injuries.
A First Aid at Work Course provides industry-specific training to manage these hazards effectively.
Step 2: Determine the Number of First Aiders Required
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides guidelines on the minimum number of trained first aiders required:
| Workplace Risk Level | Number of Employees | Number of First Aiders Required |
|---|---|---|
| Low-risk (e.g., offices, retail) | 1-50 | At least 1 trained first aider |
| Medium-risk (e.g., factories, schools, warehouses) | 25-50 | At least 1 trained first aider |
| High-risk (e.g., construction, chemical plants) | 5-50 | At least 1 trained first aider per 25 employees |
For larger workplaces, more first aiders are required. Businesses in Brighton, Hassocks, and Bristol must ensure sufficient coverage at all times.
Step 3: Assess First Aid Equipment and Facilities
Once the number of first aiders is determined, HR professionals must ensure that:
✅ First aid kits are stocked and easily accessible.
✅ Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are available in high-risk workplaces.
✅ Emergency contact numbers are displayed clearly.
✅ First aid rooms are available in larger businesses, particularly in Manchester and Birmingham.
Step 4: Train Employees with a First Aid at Work Course
A First Aid at Work Course is essential to ensure employees can respond effectively to medical emergencies. Training covers:
- CPR and AED usage – Immediate response to cardiac arrests saves lives.
- Treating burns, fractures, and cuts – Common workplace injuries.
- Handling strokes and seizures – Recognising and responding to life-threatening conditions.
- Understanding mental health first aid – Supporting employees with workplace stress or panic attacks.
Organisations in Leeds, Brighton, and Hassocks should ensure that first aiders are trained and regularly refreshed.
Why a First Aid Needs Assessment Matters
1. Ensures Legal Compliance
Failing to conduct a First Aid Needs Assessment or provide proper training can lead to legal penalties. Employers in London and Manchester must ensure they comply with UK health and safety laws.
2. Reduces Workplace Accidents and Downtime
A trained first aider can prevent minor injuries from becoming major incidents, reducing lost work hours and absenteeism.
3. Enhances Employee Confidence and Morale
Knowing that first aid measures are in place improves employee confidence, fostering a safer workplace culture.
Next Steps for HR Professionals
To ensure full first aid compliance, HR teams should:
✅ Book a consultation to assess first aid training needs.
✅ Get a free risk assessment to ensure compliance.
✅ Claim free staff training to upskill employees.
✅ Download our Manager’s Guide for First Aid Training for a full implementation plan.