First aid at work regulations
Workplace first aid is a critical part of keeping employees safe and reducing the impact of accidents. Quick first aid can prevent minor injuries from escalating into serious problems, limit further harm and speed up recovery.
The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require all employers to provide appropriate first-aid arrangements. This includes having enough trained first aiders, proper equipment and clear procedures in place to handle emergencies.
But what does “adequate and appropriate” really mean? It depends on your workplace setup. For example, a small office won’t need the same level of provision as a busy warehouse with heavy machinery.
Why are these regulations important?
Failure to meet first aid requirements can have serious consequences, both legally and operationally. Employers found to be non-compliant risk:
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Legal penalties: Breaches of health and safety law can lead to fines or, in severe cases, imprisonment.
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Increased liability: Without proper first aid measures, businesses could face compensation claims if employees suffer worse injuries due to delayed or inadequate care.
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Operational risks: Unprepared workplaces may experience longer downtime or higher employee absence rates after accidents.
By staying compliant with first aid regulations, employers create a safer working environment and minimise the risk of costly incidents.
Key responsibilities for workplace first aid
Being ready for emergencies at work means covering a few key areas. You’ll need to assess your risks, have trained first aiders on hand, keep your supplies organised and make sure everyone knows what to do if the worst happens.
Assess the risks
Start by understanding the risks in your workplace. If you’re running a quiet office, the hazards might be minor—things like trips, minor cuts or falls. But in a kitchen or a construction site, the risks are far greater. Kitchens have burns, knife injuries and slippery surfaces, while construction sites face serious dangers like falls and machinery accidents.
It’s not just about the type of work. You’ll also need to consider staff numbers and working hours. For businesses with shift workers, like hotels or factories, you need first aid cover at all times. Location matters too—if you’re in a remote area where emergency services might be delayed, you'll need more resources on-site to cover that gap.
Provide the right number of first aiders
Once you’ve assessed the risks, you need to decide how many first aiders you need and what level of training they require. In a low-risk office, one first aider for every 25 people may be enough. In high-risk environments, you’ll likely need multiple first aiders with specialised training.
For example, on construction sites, first aiders might need to handle serious injuries like fractures or trauma. In childcare settings, choking and allergic reactions are common concerns. Factories dealing with chemicals may require training in treating chemical burns and eye injuries. To ensure your first aid provision stays effective, refresher courses should be done every three years to keep skills sharp and up to date.
Keep first aid kits stocked and accessible
Your first aid kits need to be fully stocked and placed where people can access them quickly. For most workplaces, basic supplies like bandages, plasters and disposable gloves are essential.
If your risks are higher, you’ll need extra equipment. Eye wash kits are critical for areas with chemicals, while burn treatment supplies are a must in kitchens and manufacturing plants. Workplaces with heavy machinery may need tourniquets and trauma dressings. Assign someone to check the kits regularly and ensure everything is in good condition.
Plan for emergencies
Even with trained first aiders and stocked kits, you still need an emergency plan. Staff should know who the first aiders are and how to get help quickly. They also need to understand when and how to call for emergency services and what steps to take while waiting for assistance.
In some cases, like chemical spills or major injuries, part of the building may need to be evacuated or sealed off. It’s a good idea to run regular emergency drills so that everyone knows what to do if a real incident occurs.
Keep your team informed
Having first aiders isn’t enough—everyone needs to know the basics. Make sure employees are aware of where the first aid kits are, who they can turn to for help and what to do in an emergency.
This can be introduced during onboarding and reinforced through reminders at staff meetings or on noticeboards. Keeping the information visible and up to date can make all the difference in how quickly people respond when accidents happen.
By staying on top of these responsibilities, you’ll not only comply with health and safety regulations but also create a safer, more confident workplace. It’s about protecting both your people and your business.
What should be in a first aid box at work?
Every workplace needs a first aid box, but the exact contents will depend on the risks in your environment. While a quiet office might only need the basics, places like kitchens, factories or construction sites will need a more comprehensive kit.
So, what should you include? According to Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines, here are some essentials most workplaces should have:
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A first aid guidance leaflet – This offers quick advice on how to handle common injuries and emergencies. It’s especially helpful for those who might not have formal training.
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Sterile plasters – Have a range of sizes available to cover cuts and small wounds.
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Sterile wound dressings – These help protect larger wounds and control bleeding. Both medium and large dressings should be included.
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Triangular bandages – These versatile bandages can be used to create slings or hold other dressings in place.
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Eye pads – If there’s a risk of eye injuries, these pads protect and cushion the injured area.
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Safety pins – These are used to secure triangular bandages.
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Disposable gloves – Gloves are essential to prevent cross-contamination when administering first aid.
What about higher-risk workplaces?
If your workplace has higher risks—such as a kitchen, factory or construction site—you may need extra items. For example:
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Eye wash kits – Crucial in environments where chemicals or dust are present.
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Burn dressings – Essential for workplaces with a high risk of burns, like catering or manufacturing.
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Tourniquets and trauma dressings – Necessary for environments with risks of severe injuries or heavy bleeding, such as those involving machinery.
Buying a pre-packed kit that meets British Standard (BS) 8599 can help ensure your box is well-equipped for most common workplace risks.
Regular checks are essential
It’s not enough to just set up a first aid kit and forget about it. Over time, supplies can expire, go missing or run out. Someone needs to be responsible for checking the contents regularly and restocking when necessary. If your workplace has high-risk activities, these checks should be done more frequently to make sure everything is in place when it's needed most.
Having a properly stocked first aid box is a simple yet crucial part of workplace safety. It helps ensure your team can respond quickly and effectively when accidents happen.
Emergency first aid at work – Questions and answers
First aid requirements can feel like a lot to get your head around. Here are some of the common questions we hear from employers and the straightforward answers you need.
How many first aiders do I need?
It depends on the risks in your workplace. For low-risk environments, like offices, you might only need an appointed person to manage first aid arrangements. In higher-risk places—like construction sites or factories—you’ll need trained first aiders.
A general guide suggests at least one first aider for every 25 employees in low-risk settings, but high-risk environments may need extra cover and more specialised training.
What’s the difference between a first aid refresher course and an emergency first aid course?
An emergency first aid course is usually a one-day session. It focuses on handling serious incidents like choking, severe bleeding or burns. This course is aimed at lower-risk workplaces where emergencies, while possible, are less frequent.
A refresher course is for people who’ve already done full first aid training. It helps them stay confident in their skills and ensures they’re following current best practices. First aiders are usually recommended to refresh their training every three years.
Do I need a defibrillator (AED) at work?
You’re not legally required to have an AED, but it’s a good idea—especially for large workplaces or places where emergency help might take time to arrive. Defibrillators can save lives in cardiac emergencies, which makes them a worthwhile investment if you have the budget.
What kind of training do first aiders need in high-risk workplaces?
For high-risk environments, basic training may not cover everything. First aiders might need extra skills, depending on your risks. For example, construction sites may need first aiders who can handle fractures or crush injuries. In chemical plants, training should include dealing with hazardous exposure and burns. Tailoring your training to your industry can help keep your staff safer in critical situations.
How often should I check the first aid kit?
Make sure your kit is checked regularly—ideally once a month. Things can expire or go missing without you realising. In high-risk workplaces, where items are used more often, you might need to check it more frequently. It’s a good idea to put someone in charge of these checks to avoid anything being out of date when you really need it.
Can all employees get some level of first aid training?
Yes. Even if only a few staff are fully certified, basic awareness training for everyone can make a big difference. Simple things like knowing how to handle a cut or when to call for help can help emergencies go more smoothly while waiting for a trained first aider or paramedics to arrive.
Hopefully, these answers give you a clearer picture of what’s required. Understanding first aid responsibilities can help create a safer, more prepared workplace.
Ensuring compliance and employee safety
In this guide, we’ve covered key areas of workplace first aid—understanding the regulations, stocking your first aid kit, and answering common questions about training and emergency procedures. Staying compliant with health and safety laws isn’t just about avoiding fines; it’s about showing that you care for the well-being of your team.
That’s where CPL Learning can help. Our training solutions make it easier for businesses to prepare their employees for health and safety procedures. Whether you need courses on emergency first aid at work, first aid refresher training, or broader compliance topics, we offer tailored learning programmes to suit your business needs.
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