If you're an employer in the UK, you have a legal responsibility to make adequate and appropriate first aid arrangements for your employees.
But what does that mean in practice? How many first aiders might you need, what should a workplace first aid kit contain, and does it need to meet BS 8599-1?
This guide covers the key considerations for UK employers.
What Does UK Law Require?
Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, employers must provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel so employees can receive immediate attention if they are injured or become ill at work.
There isn't one arrangement suitable for every workplace. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises employers to carry out a first aid needs assessment.
This should consider factors such as workforce size, workplace hazards, accident history, shift patterns, lone or remote workers and access to emergency medical services.
How Many First Aiders Might You Need?
There is no single number that applies to every business. HSE guidance provides suggested levels as a starting point, but your first aid needs assessment should determine the appropriate provision for your workplace.
For lower-hazard workplaces, such as many offices and shops:
- Fewer than 25 employees – at least one appointed person
- 25–50 employees – at least one Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) trained first aider
- More than 50 employees – at least one First Aid at Work (FAW) trained first aider for every 100 employees, or part thereof
For higher-hazard workplaces, the suggested level of provision increases. Employers should also consider holidays, sickness and shift patterns to ensure appropriate first aid cover remains available.
These figures are guidance rather than automatic legal thresholds.
What Should a Workplace First Aid Kit Contain?
UK law does not prescribe one mandatory contents list for every workplace. The contents should reflect your first aid needs assessment.
For a low-risk workplace, HSE's example includes items such as:
- Assorted sterile plasters
- Sterile eye pads
- Triangular bandages
- Safety pins
- Medium and large sterile wound dressings
- Disposable gloves
- General first aid guidance
Additional equipment may be appropriate where specific workplace risks are identified.
Does a First Aid Kit Have to Meet BS 8599-1?
BS 8599-1 is a British Standard that provides specifications for workplace first aid kit contents. However, HSE guidance confirms that workplace first aid kits are not legally required to comply with BS 8599-1.
Instead, employers should carry out a first aid needs assessment and ensure that the first aid equipment provided is adequate and appropriate for their particular workplace.
Employers may choose a kit that conforms to BS 8599-1 or use an alternative kit where its contents appropriately meet the needs identified through their assessment.
Where BS 8599-1 compliance is specifically required by an organisation, contract or procurement policy, employers should ensure that the chosen kit is explicitly stated by the supplier as conforming to the relevant standard.
Choosing and Maintaining a Workplace First Aid Kit
When choosing a workplace first aid kit, piece count is only one consideration. Employers should also consider the suitability and quality of the components, organisation, accessibility, expiry dates, storage and ease of replenishment.
First aid kits should be checked regularly and after use. Used, damaged or expired items should be replaced, packaging should remain intact, and responsibility for routine checking and restocking should be clearly assigned.
Quality is also an important consideration. ISO 13485 is an internationally recognised quality management standard for organisations involved in medical devices.
At Norvix Health, our first aid kits contain carefully selected components sourced from an ISO 13485-certified medical device manufacturer, with a focus on quality, practical organisation and everyday preparedness.
What About Lone and Travelling Workers?
Lone, remote and travelling employees should also be considered as part of your first aid needs assessment.
Depending on the work and risks involved, access to a compact or portable first aid kit may form part of appropriate arrangements for employees working away from the main workplace.
Workplace First Aid Preparedness with Norvix Health
The Norvix Health Standard First Aid Kit – 68 Piece brings together a carefully selected range of first aid supplies in an organised hard case, making it a practical option for office and general workplace preparedness.
Our QR First Aid Guide provides convenient access to general first aid information covering common situations, while Norvix refill options make it easier to replenish commonly used supplies without replacing the complete kit.
Every workplace is different, so employers should carry out a first aid needs assessment to determine whether the contents and quantity of any first aid kit are appropriate for their particular circumstances.
Be Prepared. Ready When It Matters.
This article. provides general information only and should not be treated as legal or professional health and safety advice. Employers should refer to current HSE guidance and carry out an appropriate first aid needs assessment