First Aid at Work: UK Requirements Explained

Every UK employer must make adequate first aid provision for their workplace under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981. What is adequate depends on the risks in your workplace, but at a minimum every business needs a suitably stocked first aid kit, an appointed person, and clear information for staff. This guide explains the legal requirements and how to decide what your workplace needs.

What the law requires

The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to ensure that employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work. The law deliberately does not set fixed numbers, because the right level of provision depends on the nature of the work, the hazards present, and the size and layout of the workplace. What is adequate for a small low risk office differs from what is needed on a construction site.

Carrying out a first aid needs assessment

The starting point is a first aid needs assessment, which helps you decide what provision is appropriate. There is no set format, but it should consider the key factors that affect the level of risk and the response needed:

• Nature of the work: the hazards and risks present, as higher risk activities need greater provision.

• Workforce size and distribution: the number of employees and whether they are spread across floors, buildings or sites.

• Work patterns: shift work, out of hours working and lone working all affect cover.

• History of incidents: the type and frequency of accidents and illnesses you have experienced.

• Access to emergency services: how remote the workplace is and how quickly help could arrive.

• Vulnerable or non employee groups: members of the public, visitors or workers with particular health needs.

First aiders and appointed persons

There are two key roles. An appointed person takes charge of first aid arrangements, looks after the equipment and facilities, and calls the emergency services when needed; they do not need first aid training. A first aider has completed an approved training course, either Emergency First Aid at Work or the fuller First Aid at Work qualification, and can give immediate help for injuries and illness. The needs assessment determines whether your workplace needs trained first aiders or whether an appointed person is sufficient, and how many you need.

Emergency First Aid at Work versus First Aid at Work

Two main levels of training exist. Emergency First Aid at Work is a one day course suitable for lower risk workplaces, covering the essentials such as managing an unresponsive casualty, CPR and dealing with common injuries. First Aid at Work is a three day course covering a wider range of injuries and illnesses, suitable for higher risk workplaces. Both qualifications last three years, after which requalification is needed, and an annual refresher is strongly recommended to keep skills current.

First aid kits and equipment

Every workplace needs at least one suitably stocked first aid kit, kept accessible and maintained. The contents should reflect the findings of your needs assessment rather than simply buying a standard box, though British Standard kits are a sensible baseline. Check kits regularly and restock used or out of date items. Higher risk workplaces may need additional equipment, and some may need a first aid room. Keeping a simple record of checks helps ensure kits are always ready when needed.

Telling staff about first aid arrangements

Provision is only effective if people know about it. Employers must inform employees of the first aid arrangements, including who the first aiders or appointed persons are and where the equipment and facilities are located. This is usually done through notices and as part of induction. New starters in particular should be told during their health and safety induction, so they know where to turn from their first day.

Mental health and first aid

While the Regulations focus on physical first aid, many employers now also consider mental health first aid as part of a wider approach to employee wellbeing. Mental health first aiders are trained to recognise the signs of poor mental health and to support colleagues to access help. This is not a specific legal requirement under the First-Aid Regulations, but it complements an employer's duty to manage work related stress and supports a healthier workplace.

Frequently asked questions

• Is first aid provision a legal requirement: Yes. The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require all employers to make adequate and appropriate first aid provision.

• How many first aiders do I need: There is no fixed number. A first aid needs assessment determines the right level based on your risks, workforce and workplace.

• What is the difference between an appointed person and a first aider: An appointed person manages arrangements and calls for help but is not trained. A first aider has completed an approved first aid course.

• How long does a first aid qualification last: First Aid at Work and Emergency First Aid at Work qualifications last three years, with annual refresher training recommended.

• Do I need a first aid room: Only larger or higher risk workplaces are likely to need one. The needs assessment will indicate whether it is appropriate.

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