First Aid Needs and What That Means for Your Business

At She Does Safety Ltd, we’re passionate about helping you create safer, more empowered workplaces.

First aid is about protecting your people when things go wrong and giving everyone peace of mind. Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, every employer must provide adequate and appropriate first-aid arrangements.

What that looks like is unique to your business — it depends on the work you do, the hazards present, the size and nature of your workforce, and where the work takes place.

The first step of getting this right is a first aid needs assessment. This isn’t a one-off paperwork exercise; it’s a practical review that helps you decide exactly what first-aid equipment, facilities, trained personnel and support you need.

You don’t dont have to record the assessment in writing — but we strongly recommend you do. A documented assessment makes it easier to explain your decisions, show due diligence, and review arrangements when things change (e.g., new processes, more staff, or a shift in hazards).

Key Factors to Consider in Your First Aid Needs Assessment

Your assessment should reflect the realities of your workplace. Here are the main things to think about, with practical examples.

The type of work you do and the hazards present.
Are your teams using hazardous substances, carrying out hot work, working at height, operating machinery, or handling sharps? Consider the likelihood of injury — cuts, burns, chemical splashes, slips, trips, falls, or even serious incidents. Higher-hazard environments (e.g., manufacturing, construction, or workshops) typically need more robust arrangements than low-hazard settings (e.g., offices or shops).

The level of risk of harm
Think realistically (what is reasonably forseeable) what could go wrong, how severe could it be, and how many people might be affected? A chance of contact/splashes from corrosive substances or risk of burns requires different provisions to mainly desk-based environments.

The size of your workforce and available resources
How many people are on site at any one time? Larger teams, sites will need more first aiders, appointed persons, and kits. Consider whether you have enough cover when people are on holiday, sick, or training.

Occupancy numbers and work patterns
Do you have shift workers, night shifts, lone workers, remote workers, or travelling teams? Arrangements must cover everyone at work. Multi-occupancy sites or shared premises add complexity — define who covers what and maintains it?

History of accidents and incidents
Look at your accident book or records over the last few years. Patterns of injuries or near-misses can highlight gaps in current arrangements and help you prioritise.

Proximity to emergency medical services
How close are you to an A&E department, walk-in clinic. What are ambulance response times? Remote or rural sites often need stronger on-site provision.

First aid for non-employees
Members of the public, contractors, visitors and clients may need help too. If the public has access to your premises, factor them in.

Mental health and wellbeing
Since the 2024 update to HSE guidance (L74), employers are encouraged to consider mental health in the needs assessment. This might mean training first aiders or other staff to recognise signs of distress, provide initial support, and signpost to help. It could also involve access to occupational health resources or mental health first aid training. First-aid training alone doesn’t make someone a mental health expert, but it can equip them to respond calmly and appropriately in a crisis.

What Might Your Arrangements Look Like?

Once you’ve assessed your needs, you’ll decide on:

Personnel

A minimum requirement is an appointed person to take charge of first-aid arrangements (calling emergency services, looking after kits). In higher-risk or larger workplaces, you’ll need trained first aiders — either in Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) for lower-risk settings or First Aid at Work (FAW) for higher-risk ones. The number and type depend entirely on your assessment — there are no fixed ratios, but the goal is to ensure someone competent is available whenever people are at work.

Equipment

At least one easily accessible, well-stocked first-aid kit. Contents should match your risks (e.g., extra burn dressings, burn kits or eye wash bottles, hoses, if needed). Consider automated external defibrillators (AEDs)

Facilities

In larger or higher-hazard workplaces, a dedicated first-aid room may be appropriate.

Next Steps

If you’re opening a new site, reviewing existing arrangements, or simply unsure whether your provision is enough, we’re here to help. We can guide you through the first aid needs assessment process, review your current setup, or support you in making practical improvements.

And psst… if you’re looking for exceptional first-aid training delivered with care, expertise and a real focus on your people, we highly recommend Michele Judd and her team at MJ Training. They’re 5-star trainers who make learning practical, engaging and empowering.

Need a hand with your first aid needs assessment or want to chat about your arrangements? Reach out — we’d love to support you.