Is First Aid Training a Legal Requirement in the UK?
Yes. Under the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, all employers in the UK have a legal duty to provide adequate and appropriate first aid equipment, facilities and trained personnel to ensure employees receive immediate attention if injured or taken ill at work.
What Are Employer Obligations Under the 1981 Regulations?
Employers must:
- Conduct a first aid needs assessment considering workforce size, workplace hazards, shift patterns and location
- Provide adequate first aid kits and equipment
- Appoint a suitable number of trained first aiders or an appointed person
- Ensure first aid provision is available during all working hours
- Inform employees of first aid arrangements
What First Aid Training Do I Need?
The two primary HSE-recognised qualifications are:
- Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) — 1-day course covering CPR, choking, bleeding, burns, shock and unconsciousness
- First Aid at Work (FAW) — 3-day comprehensive course covering all EFAW content plus fractures, spinal injuries, poisoning, eye injuries, chest injuries and major illnesses
FAW is recommended for higher-risk workplaces such as construction, manufacturing and engineering. EFAW is typically sufficient for lower-risk offices and retail environments.
How Many First Aiders Do I Need?
The HSE does not specify exact numbers, but provides guidance:
- Low-risk workplaces (offices, shops): At least 1 appointed person for up to 25 staff; at least 1 EFAW-trained first aider for 25-50 staff; at least 1 FAW-trained first aider for 50-100 staff
- Higher-risk workplaces (construction, manufacturing): At least 1 appointed person for up to 5 staff; at least 1 EFAW-trained first aider for 5-50 staff; at least 1 FAW-trained first aider per 50 staff
How Often Must First Aid Training Be Refreshed?
First aid certificates are valid for 3 years. The HSE recommends completing a refresher course before expiry. Annual refresher training is best practice to maintain skills competency.
What Are the Penalties for Non-Compliance?
Failure to provide adequate first aid provision is a breach of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The HSE can issue enforcement notices, prosecute employers, and impose unlimited fines. In serious cases involving injury or death, directors and managers can face custodial sentences.
Book First Aid Training in Yorkshire
Livius Training provides HSE-recognised EFAW, FAW and Paediatric First Aid courses at our Boroughbridge training centre or on-site at your premises across Yorkshire. View our first aid training courses or call 01423 396780 to book.
