There are no set rules on the number of first aiders and the amount of first aid kits a workplace should have. This is dependent on several factors including the number of employees in the workplace and the risk of injury and ill health in the workplace.
The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 states that ‘an employer shall provide or ensure that there are provided, such equipment and facilities as are adequate and appropriate in the circumstances for enabling first-aid to be rendered to employees if they are injured or become ill at work’. In short, there should be adequate first aid kits in all workplaces that are to be used if/when an employee becomes ill or injured in the workplace. It is critical that these are checked regularly and supplies are maintained.
It is essential that you carry out an assessment of the first aid needs of your workplace as the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require all employers to ensure that adequate equipment, facilities and personnel are provided to enable for first aid to be given.
What do I need to consider?
There are a range of things that all employees must consider when assessing their first aid needs. These include:
- The risk of injury and ill health in the workplace
- Specific risks in the workplace e.g. working with hazardous substances
- Varying levels of risk in different areas
- Previous accident and ill-health history
- Number and age of employees on site
- Inexperienced workers, employees with disabilities or with special health problems
- The number of buildings or floors on the premises
- Shift work or out of hours work
- Location of the workplace relative to emergency medical services
- Employees who travel as part of their job or work from home
- Employees that work on sites belonging to other employers
- Any work experience trainees or other minors on site
- If the site is open to the public and how many visitors are expected on the premises
Only once all these aspects have been considered can an assessment be made on the first aid requirements for your workplace.
It is recommended that someone is able to undertake first aid duties at all times when people are at work.
The table below provides a guideline to the number of first aiders for a workplace. This however is only a guideline and will be affected by the individual factors of each workplace.
For more information on first aid training, visit Safety First Aid Training or contact a member of our customer services team who can help with any questions.
First aid kits
As with the number of first aiders there is no definitive rule on the number and the contents of first aid kits.
It is important that there are enough first aid kits available so that one is easily accessible at all times. The number required will depend on the number of employees, the risk in the workplace and the workplace itself.
If your workplace does not have a large number of employees but has several buildings occupied by employees then more first aid kits will be required in order to ensure that a kit is always accessible.
The contents of the kits are also not standard for every workplace. The contents that you require will depend on the specific risks in your workplace. For example a first aid kit in a restaurant kitchen will need to contain specific contents for catering environments.
Our 3 step process help you determine what size kit is required for your workplace. It is dependent on an amalgamation of factors including the number of employees in your workplace and the level of risk. Follow the simple steps below -
The table provides advice on the size and number of Workplace British Standard compliant first aid kits your workplace should have available.
Safety First Aid
Safety First Aid supplies a wide range of first aid kits and first aid supplies to ensure that your workplace has all the first aid equipment that it requires. Click the category below to shop for your specific needs for your workplace.
We have first aid kits designed for specific environments as well as a comprehensive range of dressings & wound care and eye & burn care products. We are also providers of first aid training through our training division, Safety First Aid Training so you can ensure all of your workplace first aid needs are met.
The information provided in this article is for guidance only and should not be used in place of a full assessment of your workplace requirements.