# First aid requirements calculator How many first-aiders HSE suggests for your workplace, and what else to put in place.

> First aid requirements calculator: how many first-aiders HSE suggests for your workplace, which course they need, and what the law asks of every employer.
> Web page: https://complyonsite.com/tools/first-aid-requirements-calculator

- Free, no account
- Based on HSE guidance L74, 2024
- Nothing is stored

## How many first-aiders HSE suggests

The law sets no fixed number per employee. HSE suggests these minimums, counted by the most people at work at once.

Higher risk Such as construction, warehousing and food processing

| People | HSE suggests |
| --- | --- |
| Under 5 | 1 appointed person No course needed |
| 5 to 50 | 1 first-aider EFAW (1 day), or FAW (3 days) where serious injuries are likely |
| Over 50 | 1 first-aider for every 50 FAW (3 days). 51 people: 2 · 101 people: 3 |

Lower risk Such as offices and shops

| People | HSE suggests |
| --- | --- |
| Under 25 | 1 appointed person No course needed |
| 25 to 50 | 1 first-aider EFAW (1 day) |
| Over 50 | 1 first-aider for every 100 FAW (3 days). 51 people: 1 · 101 people: 2 |

## What workplace first aid law asks of every employer

The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 apply to every employer in Great Britain, however small.

- Assess what first aid your work needs.
- Keep a stocked first-aid kit where people can reach it.
- Name an appointed person, or train first-aiders if your assessment calls for them.
- Tell everyone who they are and where the kit is.

## When to add first-aiders beyond HSE’s numbers

- **Shifts**: Each shift needs its own cover.
- **Holidays and sickness**: Train a spare, so one absence leaves no gap.
- **Several floors or buildings**: Cover each one.
- **Lone or remote workers**: Personal kits and a way to call for help.

## First aid rules for construction sites, offices, nurseries and schools

### [Construction sites](https://complyonsite.com/tools/first-aid-requirements-calculator?work=site)

Higher-risk numbers, induction, and cover shared with other contractors.

### [Offices](https://complyonsite.com/tools/first-aid-requirements-calculator?work=office)

Lower-risk numbers, and cover across floors or a shared building.

### [Nurseries and childminders](https://complyonsite.com/tools/first-aid-requirements-calculator?work=nursery)

The EYFS paediatric rules: on the premises, on outings and at meals.

### [Schools](https://complyonsite.com/tools/first-aid-requirements-calculator?work=school)

The DfE sets no number. Lower-risk numbers for staff, and the EYFS for reception classes.

## Have first aid requirements changed for 2025 or 2026?

No. The Regulations were last amended in 2013. HSE reissued its L74 guidance in January 2024 with minor changes; the suggested numbers stayed the same.

The one 2026 change is for childcare in England: a new EYFS framework from 1 September 2026.

### Sources

- [Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1981/917/contents)
- [HSE, L74 First aid at work (2024)](https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l74.pdf)
- [HSE, First aid: what employers need to do](https://www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid/what-employers-need-to-do.htm)
- [HSE, First aid at work: your questions answered](https://www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid/faqs.htm)
- [DfE, EYFS framework for group and school-based providers (September 2026)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a5f8e4fb00f3323bf1a23a1/EYFS_group_and_school_based_from_September_2026.pdf)
- [DfE, First aid in schools, early years and further education](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/first-aid-in-schools/first-aid-in-schools-early-years-and-further-education)

HSE’s guidance covers Great Britain. Northern Ireland has its own first-aid regulations.