The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to make adequate and appropriate first aid provision for their employees. Despite being over 40 years old, these regulations remain the primary legal framework for workplace first aid in Great Britain, and many employers continue to misunderstand or underestimate their obligations.
What Does "Adequate and Appropriate" Mean?
The regulations do not specify exact numbers of first aiders or precise equipment requirements. Instead, employers must carry out an assessment of their first aid needs, taking into account the nature of the work, the number of employees, and the location of the workplace. The HSE provides guidance on factors to consider, but the final decision rests with the employer.
Factors to Consider in Your Assessment
| Factor | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Workplace hazards | Higher-risk workplaces (construction, manufacturing) need more provision than offices |
| Number of employees | More employees generally means more first aiders are needed |
| Shift patterns | First aid cover must be available at all times people are at work |
| Remote locations | Workers in remote areas may need enhanced first aid provision |
| Lone workers | Specific arrangements needed for workers who are alone |
| Non-employees | Consider members of the public if they visit the workplace |
First Aid Qualifications
There are two main HSE-recognised first aid qualifications for workplace purposes:
- First Aid at Work (FAW): A 3-day qualification covering a comprehensive range of first aid skills. Valid for 3 years and must be renewed before expiry.
- Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW): A 1-day qualification covering basic life support and management of common emergencies. Suitable for lower-risk workplaces.
"Employers must ensure that an adequate number of suitable persons are available to render first aid to employees if they are injured or become ill at work." — Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981
First Aid at Work Trainer Course
Qualify to deliver HSE-compliant first aid training in your organisation. 3-day First Aid at Work Trainer course available across the UK and Ireland.
View Course →First Aid Boxes and Equipment
There is no mandatory list of items that must be in a first aid box, but the HSE recommends as a minimum: a leaflet giving general guidance on first aid; individually wrapped sterile plasters; sterile eye pads; individually wrapped triangular bandages; safety pins; large and medium sterile individually wrapped unmedicated wound dressings; disposable gloves; and a face shield for CPR.
Employers should also consider whether any additional items are needed based on their specific workplace risks — for example, eye wash stations in workplaces where chemical splashes are a risk, or tourniquets in workplaces with significant risk of severe bleeding.