Construction site first aid requirements calculator How many first-aiders your site needs, which course, and what else to put in place.
- Free, no account
- Based on HSE guidance L74, 2024
- Nothing is stored
Your first-aid cover
Enter how many people
How many first-aiders a construction site needs
Construction is in HSE’s higher-risk band. Count the most people on site at once, including other contractors’ workers you cover.
| 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 |
Construction site first aid checklist
- Tell every worker at induction who the first-aiders are and where the kit is. Put the same on the site notice.
- Cover every shift, and train a spare for holidays and sickness.
- Keep sterile water for eyes and wounds until mains water is on.
- Renew certificates every 3 years. HSE strongly recommends a yearly refresher.
- Record each incident, and report serious injuries under RIDDOR.
Who provides first aid on a shared construction site
Each employer, and each self-employed person, provides first aid for their own people. One employer, such as the principal contractor, can cover everyone if all agree and workers are told.
HSE strongly recommends a written agreement between the employers. Say who provides the first-aiders, how many, and on which shifts. If the shared cover falls short, your own duty remains.
Sources
- HSE, L74 First aid at work (2024)
- HSE, First aid on construction sites
- Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981
- HSE, RIDDOR reporting
HSE’s guidance covers Great Britain. Northern Ireland has its own first-aid regulations.