First aid in the workplace

Employers have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of their employees in the workplace. Two important aspects of this responsibility are firstly to assess their first-aid needs, and secondly to provide suitable first-aid kits for the number of people on site and the hazards they may be exposed to. In this article, we will guide to help employers determine the quantities and sizes of first aid kits required in a workplace environment.

Factors to Consider: The quantities and sizes of first aid kits required in a workplace environment depend on several factors, including the number of employees and members of the public on-site and the category of hazards they are exposed to. The following factors should be considered when determining first aid kit requirements:

1. The number of employees and members of the public on-site.
2. Nature of the workplace hazards.
3. Distance from medical facilities.
4. Working patterns, such as shift work, lone or remote working.
5. The history of accidents and incidents in the workplace.

Guidelines for first aid kit provision:

1. Low Hazard Workplaces: For workplaces with low hazards, such as offices, libraries and shops, at least one small first aid kit should be provided for every 25 employees. For 25-100 employees - 1 medium first aid kit, and over 1,000 employees - 1 large first aid kit per 100 employees.

2. High Hazard Workplaces: For workplaces with high hazards, such as construction sites, warehouses and factories, larger and more comprehensive first aid kits should be provided. Fewer than 5 employees - 1 small first aid kit. For 5-25 employees - 1 medium first aid kit, and for over 25 employees - 1 large kit per 25 employees. These kits should include items such as eye wash kits, burns kits, and trauma dressings.

3. Travelling Workforces: For travelling workforces, using company vehicles away from the workplace, portable first aid kits should be provided that are designed to be transportable. For cars, vans, and lorries BS 8599-2:2019 guidelines recommend a medium-size kit. 

What to put in a first aid kit:

There isn't a mandatory list of items, this is determined by your needs identified in your first aid assessment. If you're buying a kit look for British Standard BS8599. As a guide, where work activities are low-risk a minimum first aid kit might contain:

1. A leaflet with general guidance on first aid
2. Individually wrapped plasters and sterile eye pads
3. Individually wrapped triangular bandages and safety pins
4. Assorted-sized sterile, individually wrapped, unmedicated wound dressings and disposable gloves

Every workplace and the self-employed must have:

1. A suitably stocked first-aid kit
2. An appointed person or people to take charge of first aid arrangements
3. Information for all employees telling them about first aid arrangements

What else does the law say?

The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to ensure their employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work. These Regulations apply to all workplaces including those with less than five employees and to the self-employed.

What is 'adequate and appropriate' will depend on the circumstances in the workplace. This includes whether trained first-aiders are needed, what should be included in a first-aid box and if a first-aid room is required. Employers should assess first-aid needs to determine what to provide.

The new range of BS8599-1 compliant first aid kits is fully revised following the 2019 update to the standard, this was most welcome and significantly clarified the health and safety obligations concerning workplace first aid kits. These kits reflect the changes in both workplace practice and risks, making them demonstrably more ‘fit for purpose’ in today's working environments. For peace of mind, the provision of a kit with this updated content is a clear and definitive way for employers to demonstrate they are serious about meeting their legal obligations under the Health & Safety First Aid Regulations. The following two kits were introduced in the 2019 update:

Personal Issue First Aid Kit 

Containing basic first aid components for one person. This kit is designed specifically for the needs of those engaged in work activities away from the main workplace, such as those doing ground, security or maintenance work, or cleaning personnel. They are intended as a supplementary resource to small, medium and large first aid kits being available in the workplace they are separated from.

Critical Injury Pack

Designed for environments where people could sustain severe injury. Contains items to help manage catastrophic blood loss. e.g. work with dangerous machinery or sharp instruments, cutting equipment, power tools, construction, agriculture, forestry, etc.

Conclusion on guidance for employees on first aid kits in a workplace environment:

In conclusion, providing suitable first aid kits is an essential part of ensuring workplace safety. While carrying out an assessment, employers should consider the number of employees and members of the public on-site, the nature of the hazards, and the working patterns when determining first aid kit requirements. Check your kit regularly as many items, particularly sterile ones, are marked with expiry dates. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, employers can create a safer and healthier work environment for everyone.

View our wide range of first aid kits and equipment here

Source - First aid in work - What do you need to do? - Overview - HSE