The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require every UK employer to provide “adequate and appropriate” first-aid equipment, facilities and people so employees can be helped if they are injured or taken ill at work. For women running their own businesses, getting this right is not just a legal obligation; it protects your team, your reputation and your peace of mind. Women in Business: Key UK Facts shows that women-led firms are a growing force in the UK economy, and meeting your health and safety duties is part of building a sustainable business.

There is no single magic number. How many first aiders are required for a workplace depends on the outcome of a first-aid needs assessment. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) does not prescribe exact ratios. Instead, it expects you to judge what is suitable for your particular working environment, activities and workforce.

While the terms “adequate” and “appropriate” are deliberately flexible, they are underpinned by clear guidance. This article explains the key factors that determine how many first aiders your workplace needs and how to keep your business compliant in 2026.

How many trained first aiders do you need?

The HSE publishes suggested minimum numbers of first aiders based on the level of hazard in your workplace and the number of people at work. These are not legal requirements in themselves, but they are widely accepted as good practice and a useful benchmark.

For a low-hazard workplace such as an office, shop, library or similar:

• Fewer than 25 employees: at least one appointed person
• 25-50 employees: at least one first aider trained in emergency first aid at work (EFAW)
• More than 50 employees: at least one first aider trained in first aid at work (FAW) for every 100 employees (or part thereof)

For a higher-hazard workplace such as light engineering, food processing, warehousing or construction:

• Fewer than 5 employees: at least one appointed person
• 5-50 employees: at least one first aider (EFAW or FAW, depending on the risks)
• More than 50 employees: at least one FAW-trained first aider for every 50 employees (or part thereof)

Importantly, these numbers represent the minimum cover needed during working hours. You should also ensure cover for shift patterns, holidays, sickness and any lone or remote workers. In practice, many women-led small businesses choose to train more people than the minimum so that qualified help is always available.

What does a first-aid risk assessment involve?

Before you decide on numbers, carry out a first-aid needs assessment. This is a straightforward review of the health and safety risks in your business and the first-aid provision required to manage them. The findings should be written down if you employ five or more people.

Start by considering the hazards your team faces. A desk-based consultancy will have very different needs from a manufacturing unit, a beauty salon or a childcare setting. Other important factors include the size and layout of your premises, the number of employees, shift patterns, the distance to the nearest A&E or ambulance station, and whether any staff work off-site or from home.

For women founders juggling several roles, a written assessment is also a useful record to share with staff, insurers or investors. It shows that you have thought through your duty of care and taken a proportionate approach to risk.

Accurate information on risk and hazard assessment is the foundation of your first-aid plan. It will determine not only how many first aiders you need, but also how many first-aid kits you require, where they should be located and what they should contain.

How should you assess the risks?

A good first-aid needs assessment will help you to:

• Identify hazards that could cause work-related injury or illness
• Assess the type, severity and likelihood of possible injuries or illness
• Decide what first-aid equipment, kits and training are required
• Review your first-aid provision regularly and after any significant change

Where should first-aid equipment go?

Once you know your risks, place first-aid equipment where it can be reached quickly. Kits should be near higher-risk areas yet accessible to everyone. In larger or multi-floor premises, provide multiple kits at strategic points. You should also consider:

• How far employees are from emergency medical services
• Whether workers are spread across a wide area or several sites
• Whether some work areas are difficult to access
• Whether your premises have multiple levels

Your health and safety assessment should also record the number of workers on each shift, the nature of the work, the degree of foreseeable hazard, your history of accidents, the size and location of the workplace, the availability of occupational health services, and the travel distance to the nearest hospital or walk-in centre.

How can first-aid training help women-led businesses?

First aid is a practical, transferable skill that can boost confidence across your team. For women business owners managing tight budgets, training several employees in first aid can be a cost-effective way to strengthen workplace culture and demonstrate that you take duty of care seriously.

Choose a training provider whose qualifications are regulated by an awarding body such as Ofqual, or one that follows HSE guidance closely. Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) courses typically last one day and cover common workplace emergencies. First Aid at Work (FAW) courses last three days and include a wider range of conditions and injuries. Both certificates are valid for three years, with annual refresher training recommended.

Remember that first aid is only one part of a wider health and safety system. Clear accident-reporting procedures, well-maintained equipment and a culture where employees feel able to speak up about risks all help to reduce the chance of incidents. You can read more about creating a healthier working environment in our guide to 7 Ways to Improve Wellness in Your Workplace. With 581,000 self-reported non-fatal workplace injuries in the UK in 2024/25, according to HSE statistics, being prepared is a sensible business investment.

What other employer obligations apply?

First-aid provision sits alongside other employer duties, including risk assessments, reporting of injuries under RIDDOR, and keeping accurate records. For women-led small businesses, staying on top of these obligations helps you avoid penalties and builds trust with employees and clients.

Employers also need to keep up with wider employment obligations. Our Employment Rights Act Employer Timeline: Key Dates to Know explains the other deadlines and duties that affect small businesses.

How many first aiders are required for a workplace?

To sum up, every UK workplace needs adequate and appropriate first-aid cover. For many small, low-risk businesses that means having at least one appointed person or trained first aider available at all times. Higher-risk or larger workplaces will need more.

Carry out a written first-aid needs assessment, follow HSE guidance on numbers, and make sure cover continues during holidays, sickness and shift work. Training more staff than the minimum is rarely a mistake: first aid builds confidence, supports an inclusive workplace and ensures that, if the worst happens, skilled people are on hand to protect your team and your business.