Needing a special safety sign? Why not create your own?
Workplace safety is a shared responsibility, but when it comes to first aid, many employers and staff are unsure where the legal obligations begin and end. A common question is whether every employee needs first aid training if a designated first aider is already in place.
The short answer is that it depends on your workplace risk assessment, the size of your team, and the nature of your business. Understanding the legal requirements and best practices will help you stay compliant while ensuring a safer working environment for everyone.
A first aider is someone who has received formal first aid training from a recognised provider and holds a valid certificate. In the UK, a first aider in the workplace is trained to:
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides guidance on how many first aiders a workplace should have based on the number of employees and the level of risk in the working environment.
You can read more about the basics of workplace first aid in our blog on what first aid regulations require employers to do.
Legally, not every employee must be trained in first aid. However, depending on your workplace, there may be strong reasons to offer at least basic training to more than just the designated first aiders.
In a low-risk environment such as an office, the HSE guidance may suggest that one trained first aider is sufficient for a small team. But in larger or higher-risk workplaces, such as warehouses, factories, or construction sites, having additional trained staff can be a significant advantage.
Even in a low-risk setting, absences, annual leave, and shift patterns can leave you without a trained first aider when you need one most. This is why many employers choose to train multiple people, even if the regulations do not require it.
The HSE does not set a fixed number of first aiders for every workplace. Instead, it advises employers to conduct a first aid needs assessment that considers:
For example, a remote worksite far from an ambulance station may need more trained staff to provide cover during emergencies. The same applies if your workplace involves high-risk activities such as operating heavy machinery.
If you are unsure about the number of first aiders you need, reviewing your assessment regularly will help you adjust to changes in staffing or working conditions. Our blog on how long a first aid certificate lasts can also help you plan refresher courses to maintain compliance.
While the law focuses on trained first aiders, there are clear benefits to offering basic first aid awareness to all employees. This does not need to be a full qualification but can still make a big difference in an emergency.
Some of the benefits include:
Even a short awareness session can help employees recognise the signs of conditions such as heart attacks or strokes, which can save valuable minutes in seeking help.
Our guide to essential first aid tips every workplace needs offers more practical advice you can share with your team.
Relying on a single person for all first aid responsibilities can be risky. If they are off sick, on holiday, or in another part of the building when an incident occurs, valuable time can be lost.
In larger workplaces, the physical distance between team members and the first aider can also be a factor. Having additional trained people in different departments or floors ensures faster response times.
You can read about the five basic steps for first aid to better understand the sequence of actions during an emergency.
Employers have a duty under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 to provide adequate and appropriate first aid equipment, facilities, and trained personnel. The exact requirements will vary depending on your assessment, but employers should always:
If you need guidance on stocking your kits, see our blog on what should be in a first aid kit at work or what is legally required in a first aid box.
Even with trained first aiders, clear signage and easy-to-read instructions play a key role in workplace safety. Posters and visual guides help remind staff of basic steps during emergencies and direct them to first aid kits or AED locations.
Our blog on what to put on a first aid poster explains how to make these resources more effective.
At Lasting Impressions, we provide more than just equipment. We offer high-quality signage, instructional posters, and workplace safety products that make compliance simple. Our materials are designed to be visible, easy to understand, and compliant with UK safety regulations.
Whether you need new kits, updated posters, or advice on workplace safety layouts, our contact page is the best place to start.
You may not need to train every employee in first aid, but having more than one trained person in the workplace offers clear advantages. By conducting a proper risk assessment, following HSE guidance, and ensuring that all staff have at least basic awareness, you create a safer environment for everyone.
Even when a trained first aider is available, emergencies can unfold quickly. Preparing your team with the right knowledge and resources can make the difference between a good outcome and a bad one.
Support a safe and compliant workplace with official first aid signage and resources from Lasting Impressions. Explore our full range of first aid kits, posters, and safety products today.
