Every workplace in the UK is legally required to have first aid provision. That means the right equipment, the right people, and the right training to deal with injuries and illness when they happen. Many employers are still unsure what the law actually requires, how many first aiders they need, or what level of training is appropriate for their workplace.
First aid at work is a practical skill that saves lives. A trained first aider who acts quickly can be the difference between a full recovery and a permanent injury.
This guide explains the UK regulations governing first aid at work, the different levels of training available, how to assess your workplace needs, and how to get qualified.
The law: Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981
First aid at work in the UK is governed by the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981. These regulations sit within the broader Health and Safety in the Workplace framework and require every employer to provide adequate and appropriate first aid equipment, facilities, and personnel so that employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work.
The regulations are supported by the HSE Approved Code of Practice and Guidance (L74), which provides detailed advice on compliance.
What the regulations require
The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate first aid equipment (at minimum, a suitably stocked first aid kit), provide adequate first aid personnel (either appointed persons or trained first aiders, depending on risk level), inform employees about first aid arrangements (who the first aiders are, where the kit is, what to do in an emergency), and carry out a first aid needs assessment to determine the appropriate level of provision.
The regulations apply to all workplaces, regardless of size. Even a sole trader working alone must have basic first aid equipment available.
Self-employed persons
The regulations do not require self-employed persons to provide first aid for themselves, but the HSE strongly recommends that they carry a basic first aid kit and have some level of first aid knowledge, particularly if they work on shared sites or in higher-risk environments.
First aid needs assessment
The needs assessment is the starting point for determining what your workplace requires. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The appropriate level of first aid provision depends on your specific circumstances.
The HSE recommends considering several factors.
Nature of the work
Higher-risk activities require more first aid provision. A commercial kitchen with sharp knives, hot surfaces, and heavy equipment presents very different risks from a standard office. A construction site, a care home, and a hotel each have their own hazard profile.
Size of the workforce
Larger workplaces generally need more first aiders and more equipment. The HSE provides guideline numbers, broken down by risk level.
For low-risk workplaces (offices, shops, libraries): at least one appointed person for fewer than 25 employees, at least one EFAW-trained first aider for 25 to 50 employees, and at least one FAW-trained first aider for more than 50 employees.
For higher-risk workplaces (kitchens, warehouses, construction, manufacturing): at least one appointed person for fewer than 5 employees, at least one EFAW-trained first aider for 5 to 50 employees, and at least one FAW-trained first aider for more than 50 employees.
These are minimums. Your needs assessment may identify the need for additional first aiders based on specific risks, shift patterns, or the layout of the premises.
Location and layout
If your workplace is spread across multiple buildings, floors, or sites, you may need first aiders in each area to ensure coverage. Remote locations or premises far from emergency medical services may also require a higher level of provision.
Shift patterns and absences
First aid cover must be available at all times when employees are at work. Evenings, weekends, bank holidays. You need to account for holidays, sickness, and other absences when planning your first aid provision. Having only one trained first aider is a risk. If they are absent, you have no cover.
The public and visitors
The regulations technically only require provision for employees. But the HSE recommends that employers also consider the needs of non-employees (customers, visitors, contractors, members of the public) when assessing first aid needs. In hospitality, where premises are open to the public, this is a practical necessity rather than an optional extra.
Previous incidents
Your accident and incident records can help identify common injuries and illnesses in your workplace, and that information should feed directly into your first aid provision. If kitchen burns are a regular occurrence, your first aid kit and training should reflect it.
Appointed persons vs first aiders
The regulations distinguish between two roles.
Appointed person
An appointed person takes charge of first aid arrangements and calls the emergency services when needed. They do not need formal first aid training. Their role is to take charge when someone is injured or ill, call 999 or direct someone else to do so, and look after first aid equipment to ensure it is stocked and maintained.
An appointed person is the minimum requirement for low-risk workplaces with fewer than 25 employees. The HSE recommends that even appointed persons receive basic emergency first aid training so they can provide meaningful help in an emergency.
First aiders
First aiders are employees who have completed a recognised first aid training course and hold a valid certificate. There are two main levels.
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) is a one-day course covering basic life-saving skills. EFAW-trained first aiders can assess a situation and provide initial aid, administer CPR, treat someone who is unconscious and breathing (recovery position), treat choking, treat severe bleeding, and recognise and respond to shock.
First Aid at Work (FAW) is a three-day course that covers everything in EFAW plus a much wider range of conditions. FAW-trained first aiders can treat fractures, dislocations, and spinal injuries; manage burns and scalds; treat eye injuries; recognise and respond to poisoning; manage chest pain from a suspected heart attack; manage stroke symptoms; handle diabetic emergencies, seizures, and anaphylaxis; and keep detailed records of treatment provided.
The appropriate level depends on your needs assessment. Many workplaces benefit from a mix of EFAW and FAW-trained first aiders.
Certificate validity and refresher training
First aid at work certificates are valid for three years from the date of issue. After three years, the certificate expires and the first aider must complete a requalification course to maintain their status.
The HSE strongly recommends that first aiders attend annual refresher training to keep their skills current, even though this is not a legal requirement. Skills like CPR and the recovery position need regular practice.
What happens when a certificate expires?
If a first aider’s certificate expires, they are no longer considered a qualified first aider under the regulations. They revert to appointed person status until they requalify. Plan ahead. Make sure certificates are renewed before they expire so you maintain continuous first aid cover.
Requalification courses
For EFAW requalification, the course is typically one day. For FAW requalification, it is two days rather than the full three-day initial course. These requalification courses must be completed before the existing certificate expires.
First aid equipment
Every workplace must have at least one suitably stocked first aid kit. The HSE does not prescribe exact contents, as these should be determined by the needs assessment. A standard workplace first aid kit typically includes a guidance leaflet, individually wrapped sterile adhesive dressings in assorted sizes, sterile eye pads, individually wrapped triangular bandages (preferably sterile), safety pins, large and medium sterile unmedicated wound dressings, disposable gloves (non-latex where possible to avoid allergic reactions), microporous tape, a resuscitation face shield, a foil blanket, and clothing shears.
In higher-risk environments such as commercial kitchens, additional items are appropriate: burn dressings, blue detectable plasters (the food industry standard), and extra wound dressings.
First aid kits should be clearly marked with a white cross on a green background, easily accessible, and checked regularly to ensure they are fully stocked with unexpired items.
First aid in the hospitality sector
Hospitality workplaces present specific first aid challenges.
Kitchen injuries
Burns, scalds, and cuts are the most common kitchen injuries. First aiders working in or near commercial kitchens should be particularly familiar with treating burns and scalds from hot surfaces, boiling liquids, hot oil, and steam; cuts and lacerations from knives, mandolines, and food processing equipment; and injuries from slips and falls, since wet and greasy floors are a constant hazard.
Public-facing environments
Hotels, restaurants, and bars serve the public, which means first aiders may need to treat customers as well as colleagues. Choking is a particular risk in dining environments, making knowledge of abdominal thrusts and back blows essential.
Allergic reactions
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur in any food service environment. First aiders should know how to recognise the signs and how to assist someone in using an adrenaline auto-injector (EpiPen). This links closely with allergen awareness training.
Event and function catering
Large events with high footfall, alcohol consumption, and complicated logistics present elevated first aid risks. The needs assessment for event catering should consider crowd density, access to emergency services, and the availability of trained first aiders throughout the event.
How to get certified
Getting your first aid awareness certificate through Chefs Bay Academy takes four steps. Start by purchasing a licence for £29, which gives you access to the First Aid Awareness course and 130+ other courses in the library. Work through the course modules at your own pace on any device. Pass the end-of-course assessment to confirm your understanding. Then download your CPD accredited certificate immediately.
The online First Aid Awareness course provides a thorough grounding in first aid principles, common workplace injuries, and emergency response procedures. It is suitable for appointed persons, for general first aid awareness, and as a complement to practical first aid training.
The formal EFAW and FAW qualifications require practical, face-to-face training with a registered training provider, as they involve hands-on skills (CPR, use of dressings, recovery position) that must be assessed in person. Our online course provides the theoretical knowledge that supports practical training. It is also a good option for anyone who wants to understand first aid principles before attending a practical course, or who needs to refresh their knowledge between requalification dates.
For a broader view of workplace safety, explore the full range of health and safety courses, including manual handling, fire safety, and COSHH awareness. All are included in the same £29 licence.
Frequently asked questions
Is first aid training a legal requirement for employers?
Yes. Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, all employers must provide adequate and appropriate first aid arrangements for their employees. This includes trained first aiders or appointed persons, first aid equipment, and informing staff about the arrangements. The level of provision required depends on the first aid needs assessment.
How many first aiders does my workplace need?
There is no fixed legal number. It depends on your first aid needs assessment. The HSE provides guideline numbers based on workplace risk level and employee count, but these are minimums. You need to consider shift patterns, absences, the layout of your premises, and the specific risks involved. Having more than the minimum is always advisable.
What is the difference between EFAW and FAW?
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) is a one-day course covering basic life-saving skills: CPR, recovery position, choking, and severe bleeding. First Aid at Work (FAW) is a three-day course covering everything in EFAW plus a much wider range of injuries and conditions, including fractures, burns, poisoning, heart attacks, strokes, and more. The right level depends on your workplace risk assessment.
Can first aid training be completed entirely online?
The theoretical component can be completed online and provides valuable knowledge for anyone in a first aid role. The formal EFAW and FAW qualifications, however, require practical, in-person assessment of hands-on skills such as CPR and the recovery position. An online first aid awareness course is a strong foundation and is suitable for appointed persons, awareness training, and as preparation or refresher material for practical courses.
How long is a first aid certificate valid?
EFAW and FAW certificates are valid for three years from the date of issue. The HSE recommends annual refresher training to keep skills current. Before the certificate expires, the first aider must complete a requalification course (one day for EFAW, two days for FAW) to maintain their qualified status.
Related guides
If you found this guide helpful, you might also want to read:
- Manual Handling Training: What UK Workers Need to Know
- Fire Safety Training Requirements in the UK
- Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace
All these courses are included in your Chefs Bay Academy licence — £29 for instant access to 130+ courses.