First Aid

Supporting Compliance with UK Legislation and Guidance

Employers in the UK are required to comply with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, which set out clear responsibilities for ensuring adequate first aid provision. Employers must:

• Conduct risk assessments to determine appropriate first aid resources.
• Provide suitable first aid kits and equipment for their workplace risks.
• Ensure trained first aiders are available where necessary.

Additionally, the introduction of Martyn’s Law (Protect Duty) has highlighted the need for enhanced emergency planning, particularly in public-facing and high-footfall environments. This legislation introduces stricter requirements for safety planning in response to potential threats, making first aid provision an integral part of any emergency response plan.

Our product range has been developed with these responsibilities in mind, offering employers everything they need to meet legal requirements and create safer workplaces.

Comprehensive Product Offering

Our first aid portfolio encompasses a wide range of solutions, each designed to address specific workplace needs. Here’s an overview:

• Trauma Kits: For environments with higher-risk injuries, such as construction or manufacturing sites, these kits provide advanced care resources.
• Workplace First Aid Kits: Fully compliant with BS8599-1 and HSE guidance, these kits are tailored for offices, warehouses, and industrial environments.
• Catering First Aid Kits: Specifically designed for the food industry, with blue detectable plasters and materials to meet food hygiene standards.
• Burns First Aid Kits: Essential for handling burn-related injuries in kitchens, factories, and other high-risk areas.
• First Aid for Eyes: Focused on eye care emergencies, these kits contain rinse solutions, eyewash pods, and other essentials for eye injuries.
• Defibrillators & Accessories (AEDs): Automated External Defibrillators can make the difference between life and death in cardiac emergencies. Our range ensures workplaces are prepared for such events.
• Biohazard Clean-Up & Disposal: Safely manage biohazards such as blood, vomit, or chemical spills with dedicated clean-up solutions.
• Workplace Hygiene: Complement first aid efforts with hygiene solutions to reduce the spread of illness and ensure a safer work environment.

Unique First Aid Solutions - Branded First Aid Stations

We offer a range of branded first aid points, designed to create a professional and easily accessible location for first aid and eye care consumables. These stations can include features such as AED’s & holders, plaster dispensers, near-miss reporting tools, and lens cleaning options. Their modular design means they can be tailored to your specific workplace needs, ensuring first aid provisions are visible, organised, and ready for use.

First Aid & Information Stations

Our First Aid & Information Stations take safety one step further by combining essential first aid supplies with engaging, graphical information on workplace safety. These stations not only provide immediate access to first aid but also act as a visual aid to reinforce training and promote safe working practices. Topics covered include emergency procedures, accident reporting, and first aid guidance, helping employees stay informed and prepared.

N.B. Did You Know?

At SafetyBuyer, we’ve also integrated our first aid provisions into our range of Health & Safety Construction Information Boards. These boards are tailored for construction sites and combine critical safety information with first aid supplies, ensuring visibility and accessibility in high-risk environments.

Addressing Employer Responsibilities

Employers are responsible for ensuring that their workplace has adequate first aid arrangements to handle accidents and illnesses. These responsibilities include:

1. Providing appropriate first aid kits and equipment for workplace-specific risks.
2. Ensuring trained personnel are available to administer first aid when needed.
3. Maintaining clear and accessible information about first aid provisions, such as through branded stations or information boards.
4. Regularly reviewing and updating first aid arrangements as part of their risk assessment process.

Our solutions not only help employers meet these requirements but also provide excellent value, ensuring peace of mind through compliance, reliability, and quality.

Why Choose SafetyBuyer?

By choosing SafetyBuyer’s first aid solutions, you can:

• Ensure your workplace complies with HSE regulations and relevant UK legislation.
• Access a wide range of products designed for diverse workplace environments.
• Benefit from our unique branded solutions, which combine functionality with a professional appearance.
• Support employee well-being by providing timely and effective first aid resources.

Explore our full range of first aid products today and ensure your workplace is ready to respond to any emergency with confidence and professionalism.

FAQs – Workplace First Aid Requirements

To provide additional guidance and support, here are some frequently asked questions about workplace first aid, based on Health & Safety Executive (HSE) guidance and best practices. 

What first aid provision should an employer make?

Employers must ensure that the minimum first aid provision includes:

• A suitably stocked first aid kit appropriate to the workplace.
• An appointed person to oversee first aid arrangements and contact emergency services if necessary.
• Clear information for employees about the first aid procedures and provisions.

What should be included in a workplace first aid kit?

The contents of a first aid kit should align with the BS 8599-1:2019 British Standard. Kits may vary depending on the risk level and size of the workplace but often include:

• Basic wound dressings and bandages.
• Burn treatment options.
• Resuscitation devices.
• Scissors, gloves, and other essential supplies.
  For more specific needs, consider specialist kits such as Catering First Aid Kits, Burns Kits, or Critical Injury Packs.

How often should employers restock first aid kits?

Employers must regularly inspect and restock first aid kits to ensure they meet the required standard. This includes:

• Checking expiry dates on supplies.
• Replacing used items promptly. Our British Standard Refill Packs make restocking easy and help maintain compliance.

Do employers need to provide a trained first aider?

Yes, depending on the workplace’s risk level and size:

• Low-risk environments (e.g., offices):
• Up to 50 employees: At least one appointed person.
• Over 50: At least one trained first aider.
• Medium-risk environments (e.g., warehouses, food processing):
• Up to 20 employees: One appointed person.
• Over 20: One first aider for every 50 employees.
• High-risk environments (e.g., construction, chemical manufacturing):
• At least one trained first aider is required for every 50 employees.

Should employers provide a first aid room?

The HSE recommends a first aid room for larger workplaces or those with higher risks. Essential considerations include:

• Clear signage with white lettering on a green background.
• Accessibility near transport routes for hospital emergencies.
• Adequate heating, ventilation, and lighting.
• Facilities such as a first aid couch, sink, storage space, and communication equipment.

What are the legal responsibilities of employers regarding first aid?

Employers must comply with:

• The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, requiring workplaces to be safe.
• The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, which set out requirements for first aid provision, including equipment, personnel, and training.

What are the benefits of branded first aid stations and construction information boards?

Branded stations and custom information boards:

• Combine functionality with professionalism, offering modular first aid and eye care solutions.
• Include features like AED holders, plaster dispensers, and near-miss reporting tools.
• Support compliance with emergency planning and safety regulations.

For additional insights, explore our Health & Safety Construction Information Boards.

For more information on any of our first aid at work solutions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch today. Call us on 0800 043 0161 or email sales@safetybuyer.com