7 January First Aid: Is one day enough? First aid is a critical part of workplace health and safety. UK law requires employers to provide “adequate and appropriate” first aid arrangements for their staff. This means having trained personnel, suitable equipment, and clear procedures in place. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) sets guidelines to help businesses meet these obligations, including recommendations on training courses and how to assess workplace needs. When it comes to First Aid in the workplace, HSE recommends two courses: Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW): One-day course (6 hours) Attendees are qualified to give first aid to someone who becomes ill or is injured in the workplace. This is recommended for low-risk industries, such as office-based environments and retail. First Aid at Work (FAW): Three-day course (18 hours) Delegates are qualified to EFAW level but can also apply first aid to a range of specific injuries and illnesses. It is recommended for higher risk industries, such as construction, warehousing and factories. EFAW is a popular option for many companies. As a one-day course, it means employees are away from work for less time, and the course itself is cheaper. Resourcing and financial considerations are often deciding factors for employers. But is one day enough? As with much of modern Health and Safety, the answer to this essential question lies in risk assessment. HSE require companies to conduct a first aid needs assessment and as part of this process, determining what is ‘adequate and appropriate’ in terms of first aid arrangements depends on the work companies do and where they do it. Considerations include: The type of work and hazards involved Workforce size and work patterns Absences and holiday cover Accident history Further logistical factors to consider are: The needs of remote or lone workers Proximity of your workplace to an emergency medical centre If you’re on a shared or single-occupancy site Whether first aid may be required for non-employees (e.g. members of the public, visitors) Mental health considerations Workplaces often have mixed risk levels, and as such, a blended training approach may be most appropriate. Considering risk The EFAW course is popular for its shorter duration and lower cost, making it a common choice for employers. However, selecting the right training depends on your workplace risks. Employers must assess hazards, workforce needs, and legal obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act Section 2, which requires ensuring employee health and safety “so far as is reasonably practicable.” EFAW covers minor injuries, such as applying dressings for small wounds. If the workplace presents a potential risk for more serious bleeds or incidents, EFAW alone is insufficient. The three-day FAW course includes advanced skills like wound packing and tourniquet use. Thinking about the nature of work and potential risk is crucial in selecting the right training. If risks are not considered, employers may not be maintaining compliance with their legal duty. Planning appropriate first aid training Every workplace is different with varying levels of risk, sometimes between different departments. Whilst evaluating current provision within the workplace, employers may find that EFAW is an appropriate control. If they have high-risk areas with more serious hazards (e.g. heavy machinery, sharp blades, hazardous substances), it would be appropriate to nominate and train a small number of those team members in the three-day FAW. Once you have assessed your business needs, you can then ascertain if one or three days are required, and for how many staff. Ensuring the right training is a crucial step in keeping people safe. Advice and training LRB Consulting Ltd offer advice and assistance on selecting the correct level of first aid required through designated support or through on-site auditing. We also offer EFAW and FAW training which can be delivered on site or at their offices. If you are looking for an open EFAW course, check our schedule to see when the next courses are running. Contact us on 01509 550023 or enquiries@lrbconsulting.co.uk for further information.