First Aid provision - Legal position and HSE advice.

UK Law.

The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to enable first aid to be given to employees if they are injured or become ill at work. These Regulations apply to all workplaces including those with five or fewer employees and to the self-employed.

What is adequate 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 needed. Employers should carry out an assessment of first aid needs to determine this.

The Regulations do not place a legal obligation on employers to make first aid provision for non-employees such as the public or children in schools. However, the HSE strongly recommends that non-employees are included in a first aid needs assessment and that provision is made for them.

First aid at Work, what employers need to do?

The Health & Safety Executive - Legislation

Schools First Aid - DfEE Guidance for Schools, Colleges & Academies

Below you will find useful downloads from the Health and Safety Executive that will help and guide you in first aid matters.