First Aid in the Workplace
The quantities and sizes of first aid kits to be used in a workplace environment should be determined by the number of people on site and the category of hazard they are exposed to. The following table provides guidance to help employers ensure they have suitable first aid provision, depending on th...
Guidance for employers on first aid kits in a workplace environment.
The quantities and sizes of first aid kits to be used in a workplace environment should be determined by the number of people on site and the category of hazard they are exposed to. The following table provides guidance to help employers ensure they have suitable first aid provision, depending on the number of employees and members of the public exposed to those risks in the workplace.
- Do a risk assessment.
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- LOW RISK: (e.g. shops, offices, libraries etc.)
- HIGH RISK: (e.g. light engineering and assembly work, food processing, warehousing, etc.)
- Decide on the size and quantity of kits required to meet your risk needs assessment.
SMALL KIT USAGE GUIDELINES:
- LOW RISK: 1 kit for less than 25 employees
- HIGH RISK: 1 kit for less than 5 employees
MEDIUM KIT USAGE GUIDELINES
LOW RISK: 1 kit per 25-100 employees HIGH RISK: 1 kit per 5-25 employees
LARGE KIT USAGE GUIDELINES
- LOW RISK: 1 kit per 100 employees
- HIGH RISK: 1 kit per 25 employees
The BS8599-1:2019 Guidelines have been updated and now include recommendations on supplementary kits as an extra resource to British Standard Compliant Small, Medium, Large and Travel & Motoring First Aid Kits.
PERSONAL ISSUE FIRST AID KIT
Containing basic first aid components for one person. e.g. maintenance, security personnel, cleaners, first aiders, etc.
CRITICAL INJURY PACK
Designed for environments where people could sustain a 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.
WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY?
The Health and Safety (First Aid) regulations 1981 states: “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 his employees if they are injured or become unwell at work"
The new range of BS8599-1 compliant first aid kits, fully revised for the new 2019 update to the standard. These kits reflect the changes in both workplace practice and risks, making them demonstrably more ‘fit for purpose’ in todays 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.
View our wide range of first aid kits and equipment here
