If someone collapsed at work right now – would you know what to do?

More importantly, would someone on your team?

First Aid is one of those things we hope we’ll never need… but when it’s needed, it’s needed fast. That’s why every business – from a small office to a big construction site – must have appropriate First Aid provision in place. But what does “appropriate” actually mean?

Enter the First Aid Needs Assessment – your roadmap to getting it right.

 

🧭 What Is a First Aid Needs Assessment?

It’s not as scary as it sounds. A First Aid Needs Assessment is simply a review of your workplace and workforce to work out:

• What kind of injuries or medical emergencies could happen here?
• How many trained first aiders do we need?
• What first aid equipment should we have?
• Do we need an AED?
• What about lone workers, shift work, or remote sites?

It’s about being prepared for the real risks in your specific environment, not ticking a generic box.

 

📝 Is It a Legal Requirement?

Yes – sort of. The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 say you must provide “adequate and appropriate” first aid equipment, facilities and people.

How do you know what’s adequate and appropriate? By carrying out a First Aid Needs Assessment.

You don’t have to write it down unless you have five or more employees – but we strongly recommend you do anyway. It helps you review it later and prove you’ve taken your responsibilities seriously.

 

🔍 What Should You Consider?

Every business is different – and so is every risk profile. Your assessment should consider things like:

• Number of employees – More people = more provision needed.
• Nature of work – Is it low-risk (like admin), or high-risk (like manufacturing)?
• Work patterns – Are people working nights, shifts, or alone?
• Workplace size & layout – Can a first aider get to someone quickly?
• Past incidents – Have there been previous first aid events?
• Travel and remote working – Are staff out on the road or off-site?
• Public access – Do you serve customers or visitors?

 

🚑 What Might You Need?

Once you’ve done your assessment, here’s what might go on your to-do list:

• Appoint and train one or more first aiders
• Provide first aid kits (and keep them stocked!)
• Create a first aid policy and communicate it to staff
• Consider installing an AED (especially in larger or higher-risk workplaces)
• Review your provision annually or whenever things change (e.g. new premises, staff growth)

 

🙋 How We Can Help

At Good Skills Training, we don’t believe in copy-and-paste safety. We help businesses carry out tailored First Aid Needs Assessments that reflect their real world—not just what’s on a checklist.

We can:

• Support you through the assessment process
• Provide honest, jargon-free advice
• Train your staff (and keep them updated)
• Help you review and adjust your provision as things change

And we do it all in our trademark style – clear, friendly, and with the odd bit of humour thrown in to keep things human.

 

💡 Final Word: It’s About People

Having the right first aid provision isn’t just about compliance – it’s about protecting your people and giving them confidence that if something goes wrong, they’re in safe hands.

If you’re not sure where to start, or you’d like to review what you already have, drop us a line. We’ll help you get sorted – no stress and no nonsense.

Good Skills Training , where saving lives is not an alien concept