First aid is an issue many employers ask us about. How many first aiders do you need to have? What is the legal requirement – and what is good practice?

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act, every employer must “as far as reasonably practicable” take measures to protect all employees as well as on-site contractors and visitors.

Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, every employer has to carry out suitable risk assessments in order to assess the risks their employees and visitors may face.

You can use the information gathered in these risk assessments to assess your first aid requirements.