First aid - suggested number of first-aiders/appointed persons

Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 (SI 1981/917), employers are required to provide such number of suitable persons as is adequate and appropriate in the circumstances to provide first aid to their employees if they are injured or become ill at work. Such persons must have undergone such training and have such qualifications as may be appropriate in the circumstances of the case. Where having regard to the nature of the undertaking, the number of employees and the location of the establishment, it would be adequate and appropriate to appoint a person to take charge of the matters in para.3(3)(a) and (b), the employer may appoint such a person instead. The Health and Safety Executive provides guidance on how many first-aiders or appointed persons might be needed in relation to categories of risk and number of employees.