Free First Aid Needs Assessment

Use our free first aid needs assessment tool to help determine what first aid provision your workplace may require. Based on current HSE guidance (L74), our assessment takes just 5-10 minutes and provides guidance tailored to your workplace.

For many businesses this tool will probably be all you need, but you must still make the final decision yourself based on your own knowledge of your workplace.

No registration required — you can view your results straight away without entering any personal details. You only need to add your details if you want to save or email the report to yourself.

Why Do You Need a First Aid Needs Assessment?

The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require every employer to provide adequate and appropriate first aid equipment, facilities and personnel. A first aid needs assessment is the way you determine what "adequate and appropriate" means for your specific workplace.

Getting it wrong can mean:

• Non-compliance with HSE regulations
• Insufficient trained first aiders on site
• The wrong level of first aid training for your risk profile
• Missing or inadequate first aid equipment

What Our Assessment Covers

Our online first aid needs assessment evaluates the key factors that the HSE identifies as important when assessing workplace first aid requirements:

Education and childcare settings also receive additional guidance based on DfE requirements and the EYFS Statutory Framework, including Paediatric First Aid (PFA) obligations.

How It Works

Your Guidance Will Include

• Recommended training level — EFAW (1-day) or FAW (3-day), plus Paediatric First Aid if applicable
• Minimum number of first aiders required based on your workforce size and risk level
• Recommended total including cover for holidays, sickness and training absences
• Equipment recommendations — first aid kits, AEDs and specialist supplies
• Additional considerations specific to your workplace (lone workers, multi-floor distribution, education settings)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a first aid needs assessment?

Yes. Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, every employer must provide adequate and appropriate first aid equipment, facilities and personnel. The HSE recommends carrying out a first aid needs assessment to determine what provision is required for your specific workplace.

How many first aiders does my workplace need?

The number of first aiders depends on your workplace risk level and number of employees. As a guide, lower-risk workplaces need at least 1 first aider per 100 employees, while higher-risk workplaces need 1 per 50. The HSE also recommends additional cover for absences, shift work and multi-floor buildings. Our assessment provides guidance on the number for your workplace.

What is the difference between EFAW and FAW training?

Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) is a 1-day (6-hour) course covering basic life-saving skills. First Aid at Work (FAW) is a 3-day (18-hour) course that includes everything in EFAW plus additional topics such as managing illness, injuries and medical emergencies. The assessment will indicate the appropriate level for your workplace.

How often should I review my first aid needs assessment?

The HSE recommends reviewing your first aid needs assessment at least annually, or sooner if there are significant changes to your workforce, workplace layout, work activities, or if accidents or incidents highlight a need for change.

Need First Aid Training?

Once you know what training your workplace needs, we can help. First Aid For All delivers approved first aid courses across the UK, both on your premises and at our public course venues.

• First Aid at Work (FAW) — 3-day course
• Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) — 1-day course
• Paediatric First Aid — 2-day course
• View all first aid courses

Have questions? Contact us and we will be happy to help.