Workplace first aid duties in the UK: the basics
Every employer has a duty. What it looks like in practice depends on a risk assessment, not on headcount alone.
This is an orientation to the framework, not legal advice. For anything binding, work from the current HSE guidance and your own risk assessment.
The core duty
Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, employers must provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel so employees can be given immediate attention if injured or taken ill at work.
"Adequate and appropriate" is decided by risk assessment
There is no fixed table of kit per employee. The assessment considers the nature of the work and its hazards, the size and spread of the workforce, accident history, shift patterns, lone or remote workers, and distance from emergency services.
What most workplaces end up needing
- At least one suitably stocked first aid container.
- An appointed person to take charge of arrangements, or a qualified first aider where risk warrants it.
- Information for employees on the arrangements — usually a notice saying who and where.
Higher-risk settings
Construction, manufacturing, food processing and anywhere with chemicals or machinery will generally need trained first aiders rather than an appointed person, and more comprehensive provision.
Keep it under review
Reassess after changes to premises, processes, headcount or following any incident.
See a pharmacist, GP or urgent care if a wound will not stop bleeding after ten minutes of firm pressure, is deep or gaping, was caused by something dirty or rusty, contains anything you cannot flush out, or shows spreading redness, heat, swelling, pus or a fever. Get help urgently for animal or human bites, wounds over a joint, and any wound in someone with diabetes or poor circulation.
Shop the range
FitMedix products are CE-marked medical devices intended for the care of minor wounds. This site does not provide medical advice — seek professional help for deep, dirty or non-healing wounds, or if signs of infection appear. Always read the instructions on the pack.