Provide first aid at work

How to meet your legal duties under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981. Covers needs assessment, first aider training, equipment requirements, and scaling provision for your workplace.

UK-wide
Guide summary

You must have first aid arrangements for your workers. Assess your workplace needs to decide what trained staff, equipment and facilities you require. All businesses must provide first aid, even if you are self-employed.

  • Assess first aid needs based on workplace risks, size and location
  • Provide first aiders trained to EFAW (1-day course) or FAW (3-day course)
  • Low-risk workplaces need 1 first-aider per 100 employees
  • Higher-risk workplaces need more trained first aiders
  • First aid certificates last 3 years then need renewal
  • Self-employed must have first aid equipment for themselves
  • Keep first aid kits stocked and accessible
  • Penalty for non-compliance is an unlimited fine
  • Review needs when workplace changes
  • Coordinate with other employers in shared buildings
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Related guides in Compliance & Legal

Every employer must provide first aid arrangements for their workers. This means having trained personnel, appropriate equipment, and clear procedures so that if someone is injured or taken ill at work, they receive immediate help.

What you need depends on your workplace - a small office has different requirements from a construction site or manufacturing facility. The law requires you to assess your needs and provide accordingly.

Assessing your first aid needs

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. You must assess what first aid provision is appropriate for your workplace:

How to conduct your assessment

  1. 1

    Consider your workplace hazards

    Review your general risk assessment. Workplaces with dangerous machinery, hazardous substances, or high-risk activities need more first aid provision than low-risk offices.

  2. 2

    Count your workers

    Consider peak numbers on site, including visitors, contractors, and shift patterns. First aid provision must cover everyone present, not just employees.

  3. 3

    Check site spread

    Large sites, multi-floor buildings, or remote locations may need first aiders in each area. Workers should be able to reach first aid quickly.

  4. 4

    Consider work patterns

    Shift work, lone working, and split sites need coverage at all times. You may need more first aiders to cover absences and holidays.

  5. 5

    Factor in distance from emergency services

    Remote sites or locations with long ambulance response times may need more comprehensive first aid provision.

  6. 6

    Review previous incidents

    Your accident records show what types of injuries occur. This helps determine what first aid training and equipment is needed.

Types of first aid personnel

The law recognises different levels of first aid training:

Choosing the right level:

  • Low-risk workplaces (offices, shops): An Appointed Person may be sufficient for small workplaces, with EFAW-trained first aiders for larger teams
  • Higher-risk workplaces (construction, manufacturing, chemicals): FAW-trained first aiders who can deal with specific workplace injuries
  • Specialist environments (schools, care homes): May need additional training for specific needs

First aid certificates are valid for 3 years. You must ensure first aiders complete refresher training before their certificate expires.

How many first aiders do you need?

HSE provides guidance figures based on workplace risk and size:

These are starting points, not absolute requirements. Your assessment may indicate you need more than these figures suggest. Consider:

  • Coverage during leave and sickness - you may need extra trained staff
  • Shift patterns - ensure coverage at all times
  • Building layout - first aiders accessible to all areas
  • Hazardous processes - may need additional provision

First aid equipment

There is no mandatory list of first aid box contents. The Regulations require adequate and appropriate equipment - what this means depends on your assessment:

Additional considerations:

  • Check and restock first aid boxes regularly - items expire and get used
  • Keep a record of what's used to identify patterns
  • Consider additional supplies for specific risks (burns dressings near heat sources, eye wash near chemicals)
  • Make sure first aid boxes are accessible, clearly marked, and workers know where they are

What you should NOT include: Medicines (including paracetamol), creams, sprays, or anything requiring medical knowledge to administer safely.

Information for workers

You must tell workers about first aid arrangements:

  • Who the first aiders are and how to contact them
  • Where first aid equipment is located
  • What to do in an emergency

First aid information should be in induction materials and displayed on notice boards. Consider how to inform temporary workers, contractors, and visitors.

Record keeping: Keep records of all first aid treatment given. This helps identify hazards, track incident patterns, and demonstrates compliance. Records should include date, time, casualty name, nature of injury, treatment given, and outcome.

Common questions

Do we need first aid for the public? The Regulations only require first aid for employees. However, HSE strongly recommends including provision for visitors and customers in your assessment.

What about lone workers? Lone workers need access to first aid. Consider mobile phones to summon help, personal first aid kits, and training in self-help techniques.

Can first aiders refuse to treat someone? First aiders are not legally required to treat others, but should help within their training if willing. Provide clear guidance on what's expected.

What about blood-borne infections? Train first aiders in infection control, provide disposable gloves, and have procedures for dealing with blood spillages.