How to Choose the Right First Aid Course for Your Workplace

Workplace safety is more than just having procedures and risk assessments in place; it’s about making sure your people have the skills to respond if something goes wrong. One of the most important steps you can take is ensuring that your staff receive the right first aid training.

But with several different courses available, how do you know which one is right for your workplace?

At Pragmatic Consulting, we deliver accredited first aid training designed for the construction, utilities, and engineering sectors. Here’s a guide to help you decide what’s best for your team.

Understand Your Legal Responsibilities

Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, every employer is legally required to provide “adequate and appropriate” first aid provision. The exact training you need depends on factors such as:

• The size of your workforce
• The type of work carried out
• The level of risk involved
• Past incident history

A first aid needs assessment will help you determine the right course(s) for your staff.

The Main Types of First Aid Training

Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)

• Duration: 1 day
• Best for: Lower-risk workplaces (e.g., offices, small teams)
• Covers: Life-saving basics like CPR, choking, bleeding control, and shock.

First Aid at Work (FAW)

• Duration: 3 days
• Best for: High-risk environments such as construction, utilities, and heavy industry.
• Covers: All EFAW content plus injuries from falls, burns, chemicals, fractures, and illness at work.

Refresher & Requalification Courses

• Required every 3 years to keep certification valid.
• Annual refreshers are strongly recommended by the HSE to keep skills sharp.

Choosing What’s Right for Construction & Utilities

In high-risk sectors like construction and utilities, the First Aid at Work (FAW) course is often the most suitable. These workplaces involve hazards such as heavy machinery, working at height, confined spaces, and electricity — all of which require advanced first aid knowledge.

For smaller contractors or office-based teams supporting field operations, Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) may be sufficient. Many companies also choose a mix of both, ensuring they have trained first aiders at every level of risk.

Why Choose Pragmatic Consulting?

• Industry-specific training – our trainers come from construction and utilities backgrounds.
• Practical, scenario-based courses – learning is hands-on and relevant.
• Accredited certification – recognised across the UK and valid for 3 years.
• Flexible delivery – at our training centres or your workplace.

Final Thoughts

The right first aid course depends on the unique risks of your workplace. Investing in proper training not only keeps you compliant with the law but also builds a safer, more confident team ready to respond in an emergency.

Explore our First Aid Training Courses to find the right option for your business.

NUCO - Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) - FAA Level 3 (1 Day Accredited)

NUCO - First Aid at Work (FAW) - FAA Level 3 (3 Day Accredited)

« Back to news