First Aid at Work: What Level of Training Does Your Business Actually Need?
Joshua Lyon••#Workplace First Aid #EFAW vs FAW #First Aid #First Aid at Work #First Aid Training #Workplace Safety #Qualsafe #HSE Compliance Workplace Safety
Understanding your legal obligations for workplace first aid can feel overwhelming. With different qualification levels, HSE requirements, and risk assessments to consider, many employers aren’t sure where to start. This guide breaks down exactly what first aid training your business needs to stay compliant and keep your team safe.
Legal Requirements for Workplace First Aid
Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, every employer in the UK must provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities, and personnel to ensure employees receive immediate attention if they’re injured or taken ill at work.
But what does “adequate and appropriate” actually mean? The answer depends on your workplace risk assessment.
Understanding the Three Main Qualification Levels
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) - 1 Day
Best for: Low-risk workplaces such as offices, retail environments, and small businesses.
What it covers:
Managing an unresponsive casualty
CPR and use of an AED (defibrillator)
Choking
Wounds and bleeding
Shock
Minor injuries
Certificate validity: 3 years
Typical scenarios: This qualification equips first aiders to handle common workplace incidents like minor cuts, fainting, or providing immediate care while waiting for paramedics in more serious situations.
First Aid at Work (FAW) - 3 Days
Best for: Higher-risk environments including manufacturing, construction, warehouses, and businesses with more than 50 employees.
What it covers:
Everything in EFAW, plus:
Head and spinal injuries
Chest injuries
Burns and scalds
Eye injuries
Poisoning
Anaphylaxis
Bone, muscle, and joint injuries
Severe bleeding
Medical emergencies (heart attack, stroke, asthma, diabetes)
Certificate validity: 3 years
Typical scenarios: FAW-trained first aiders can assess casualties more thoroughly, provide more advanced treatment, and manage serious incidents until emergency services arrive.
First Aid at Work Re-qualification - 2 Days
For: Certificated FAW first aiders needing to renew before their 3-year certificate expires.
Important: You must complete re-qualification before your certificate expires. If it lapses, you’ll need to retake the full 3-day course.
How Many First Aiders Do You Need?
The HSE doesn’t set fixed numbers, but provides guidance based on risk assessment:
Low-Risk Workplaces
Fewer than 50 employees: At least one appointed person (minimum EFAW)
50-100 employees: At least one first aider (EFAW or FAW)
More than 100 employees: One additional first aider for every 100 employees
Higher-Risk Workplaces
Fewer than 20 employees: At least one first aider (FAW recommended)
20-100 employees: At least two first aiders (FAW)
More than 100 employees: One additional first aider for every 100 employees
Additional Considerations
You may need more first aiders if:
Your workplace is spread across multiple buildings or floors
Employees work shifts or out-of-hours
Staff work alone or in remote locations
You have specific hazards (machinery, chemicals, working at height)
Employees travel frequently for work
You have members of the public on-site
Employees work near water or in challenging environments
Conducting Your First Aid Needs Assessment
To determine your exact requirements, complete a first aid needs assessment covering:
1. Workplace hazards
What are the risks in your workplace?
What injuries or illnesses might occur?
Have there been previous incidents?
2. Workforce factors
How many people work on-site?
Are there shift patterns or lone workers?
Do you have young workers, new or expectant mothers, or employees with disabilities?
3. Location and access
How far are you from emergency services?
Are there difficulties with access (remote location, multiple floors)?
Do employees travel or work off-site?
4. Work patterns
Are there times when trained first aiders might not be available?
Do you need cover for holidays and sickness?
5. Additional considerations
Do you have visitors or members of the public on-site?
Are there any specific regulatory requirements for your industry?
Appointed Persons vs. Trained First Aiders
Appointed Person:
Takes charge in an emergency
Calls the emergency services
Looks after first aid equipment
Not required to have formal first aid training (though EFAW is recommended)
Trained First Aider:
Provides hands-on treatment
Must hold a valid HSE-approved qualification (EFAW or FAW)
Takes charge in an emergency
Industry-Specific Requirements
Some sectors have additional first aid requirements:
Construction Sites:
CDM Regulations require trained first aiders on every site
FAW qualification strongly recommended due to higher risk
Care Homes and Healthcare:
At least one first aider on duty at all times
Paediatric First Aid required for childcare settings
Schools and Education:
Paediatric First Aid required for early years settings (EYFS)
FAW or EFAW for school staff depending on risk assessment
Maritime and Offshore:
MCA-approved Medical First Aid or Medical Care certificates required
Different standards apply under STCW regulations
Food Production:
First aiders must avoid direct food contact after treating casualties
Additional hygiene considerations
Annual Refresher Training
While first aid certificates are valid for 3 years, the HSE strongly recommends annual refresher training to:
Keep skills current
Update knowledge of guideline changes
Maintain confidence in responding to emergencies
Ensure first aiders remember critical procedures
Many businesses schedule half-day refreshers every 12-18 months to maintain competence.
Choosing the Right Training Provider
Ensure your training provider is:
✅ HSE-approved through a recognised awarding body (e.g., Qualsafe, First Aid Awards Ltd, St John Ambulance)
✅ Delivering the correct qualification for your needs
✅ Providing practical, hands-on training (not just online theory)
✅ Issuing valid certificates that meet your insurance and regulatory requirements
✅ Experienced and professional with qualified instructors
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Letting certificates expire
Book re-qualification training at least 3 months before expiry to avoid coverage gaps.
❌ Under-estimating numbers needed
Account for holidays, sickness, and shift patterns. You need first aid cover at all times.
❌ Choosing EFAW when FAW is needed
If your risk assessment indicates higher risk, don’t cut corners with shorter qualifications.
❌ Forgetting to update your needs assessment
Review annually or whenever there are significant workplace changes.
❌ Not communicating who the first aiders are
Display names, photos, and locations clearly so everyone knows who to call.
Making Your Decision
Still not sure which qualification your business needs? Ask yourself:
What could go wrong? Consider your workplace hazards honestly.
How quickly can paramedics reach you? Remote locations need more comprehensive training.
What’s happened before? Review your accident book for patterns.
What does your insurance require? Check your policy for specific first aid requirements.
Would I feel confident with only basic first aid available? If not, invest in FAW.
Next Steps
Ready to book your workplace first aid training?
CM Marine is a Qualsafe-accredited training centre delivering HSE-approved first aid qualifications across the UK. We offer:
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) - 1-day courses
