Workplace First Aid
Accidents and illnesses can happen anytime, and having the right first aid provisions can make a crucial difference between a minor incident and a major emergency. In the UK, first aid requirements are governed by the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, which outline the legal responsibilities of employers to provide adequate first aid resources and personnel.
But beyond compliance, having robust first aid measures in place fosters a culture of safety, boosts employee morale, and protects your business from potential downtime, legal issues, and reputational damage. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the requirements for first aid in the workplace, including legal obligations, essential equipment, training requirements, and a comprehensive FAQ section to answer your most pressing questions.
Why First Aid is Essential in the Workplace
Providing first aid in the workplace is more than just a legal obligation - it’s about creating a safe environment where employees feel valued and protected. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), prompt and effective first aid can:
- Save lives and reduce the severity of injuries.
- Prevent minor injuries from becoming major ones.
- Reduce downtime and maintain productivity.
- Demonstrate a commitment to employee well-being, boosting morale and job satisfaction.
Workplace first aid isn’t a one-size-fits-all requirement. It needs to be tailored to the specific risks and needs of each workplace, from low-risk offices to high-risk construction sites. This is why employers must conduct a risk assessment to determine the appropriate level of first aid provision.
Legal Requirements for First Aid at Work
Under the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, employers are required to:
- Conduct a first aid needs assessment to determine the appropriate level of provision.
- Provide adequate first aid equipment and facilities to ensure immediate help can be given if someone is injured or taken ill at work.
- Appoint an appropriate number of trained first-aiders or appointed persons, depending on the workplace’s size and risk level.
- Inform employees about first aid arrangements, including the location of equipment and the names of first-aiders or appointed persons.
The regulations apply to all workplaces, including offices, factories, construction sites, retail spaces, and public-facing environments.
Determining First Aid Requirements: What to Consider
Every workplace is different, and so are its first aid needs. Employers are responsible for conducting a risk assessment to determine the appropriate level of first aid provision. Here’s what to consider:
1. Nature of the Work
- Low-Risk Environments (e.g., offices, shops) – Typically require basic first aid kits and an appointed person to oversee first aid arrangements.
- High-Risk Environments (e.g., construction sites, manufacturing, chemical plants) – Require more comprehensive first aid kits, trauma kits, and trained first-aiders.
2. Workplace Hazards
Identify potential hazards, such as:
- Dangerous machinery and equipment.
- Chemicals and hazardous substances.
- Risk of falls, burns, cuts, or fractures.
3. Workforce Size and Working Patterns
- Small Teams – May require only one first-aider or appointed person.
- Large Workforces – Need multiple first-aiders to ensure adequate coverage during shifts and absences.
- Shift Work or Lone Workers – Additional provisions to cover out-of-hours risks.
4. Accessibility to Emergency Medical Services
Consider how quickly emergency services can reach your workplace. Remote or isolated sites may need enhanced first aid measures, including trauma kits and AEDs.
5. Special Considerations
- Vulnerable Employees – Young workers, pregnant women, or employees with health conditions may need additional provisions.
- Public-Facing Environments – Enhanced requirements under Martyn’s Law (Protect Duty) for emergency planning in public and high-footfall areas.
Specialist First Aid Kits
Different workplaces require different first aid solutions. SafetyBuyer offers a comprehensive range of BS 8599-1 compliant first aid kits, tailored to suit various workplace needs:
- Workplace First Aid Kits – Ideal for low-risk environments like offices and retail stores.
- Trauma Kits – For high-risk sites such as construction and manufacturing.
- Burns First Aid Kits – Essential for kitchens, factories, and chemical sites.
- Catering First Aid Kits – Designed for the food industry, with blue detectable plasters.
- First Aid for Eyes – Including eye wash stations and pods for eye injuries.
- Defibrillators (AEDs) – Critical for responding to cardiac emergencies.
Need help choosing the right kit? Explore our full range of first aid solutions at SafetyBuyer.
First Aid Training Requirements
The HSE requires employers to provide adequate training for first-aiders, based on the risk assessment. The key training levels are:
- Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) – Suitable for low-risk environments, covering essential first aid skills.
- First Aid at Work (FAW) – A comprehensive course that includes emergency first aid and more advanced skills for high-risk workplaces.
- Specialist Training – For environments with unique risks, such as chemical exposure or working at height.
How Many First-Aiders Do You Need?
- Low-Risk Environments (e.g., offices): At least one appointed person or EFAW trained first-aider for every 50 employees.
- High-Risk Environments (e.g., construction, manufacturing): One FAW trained first-aider for every 50 employees.
Annual refresher training is strongly recommended to keep first-aid skills up to date.
FAQs – Workplace First Aid Requirements
First aid at work refers to the immediate assistance provided to an employee who is injured or taken ill. It includes treatment to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, and promote recovery until professional medical help is available.
Under the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, employers must:
- Conduct a first aid needs assessment.
- Provide adequate first aid equipment and facilities.
- Appoint a suitable number of trained first-aiders or appointed persons.
- Inform employees about first aid arrangements.
The contents of a first aid kit depend on the workplace’s risk assessment but typically include:
- Plasters, wound dressings, bandages, and safety pins.
- Sterile eye pads and triangular bandages.
- Disposable gloves and resuscitation devices.
- Burn dressings and emergency blankets (for high-risk environments).
All first aid kits should comply with BS 8599-1 standards.
Yes, depending on the workplace’s size and risk level:
- Low-risk environments (e.g., offices): One appointed person or EFAW trained first-aider for every 50 employees.
- High-risk environments (e.g., construction, manufacturing): One FAW trained first-aider for every 50 employees.
- Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) – Basic first aid skills suitable for low-risk workplaces.
- First Aid at Work (FAW) – A comprehensive course that includes emergency first aid and additional skills for higher-risk environments.
First-aiders should receive refresher training annually to maintain their skills, with a full requalification course every three years.
While employers are not legally required to provide first aid for non-employees, HSE strongly recommends including visitors and the public in first aid provisions, especially in public-facing environments.
A first aid room is recommended for:
- Larger workplaces.
- High-risk environments.
- Public-facing premises.
It should include clear signage, a couch, sink, and storage for first aid equipment.
No, it is not recommended to keep medicines in workplace first aid kits. First aid kits should focus on immediate injury treatment, not medication.
First aid kits should be checked regularly to ensure contents are complete and within expiry dates. Any used items should be replaced immediately.
Employers must comply with:
- The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 – Ensuring a safe workplace.
- The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 – Setting requirements for first aid provision, equipment, personnel, and training.
Employers must inform employees about:
- The location of first aid kits and equipment.
- The names and locations of first-aiders or appointed persons.
- Emergency procedures and how to summon help.
Stay Safe and Compliant with SafetyBuyer
At SafetyBuyer, we understand the importance of workplace safety and compliance. Our comprehensive range of first aid kits, trauma kits, AEDs, and branded first aid stations ensures your workplace is prepared for any emergency.
- BS 8599-1 Compliant Kits for all workplace environments.
- Branded First Aid Stations to ensure visibility and accessibility.
- Specialist Kits for burns, eye injuries, and high-risk workplaces.
Need help choosing the right first aid solutions? Contact us on 0800 043 0161 or explore our full range online. At SafetyBuyer, we’re dedicated to helping you protect your workforce and maintain a safe, compliant workplace. Your safety is our priority.
