Workplace First Aid Kits: What UK Employers Need to Know

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Many UK businesses are surprised to learn that there’s no such thing as a “standard workplace first aid kit” that suits every company. Instead, UK law focuses on one thing: making sure every employer chooses the right kit based on their own risks.

This guide explains the basics in simple terms - what the law says, what employers need to consider, and how to make sure staff have what they need in an emergency.

Is a Workplace First Aid Kit a Legal Requirement?

Yes, every workplace must have adequate and appropriate first aid equipment.
This comes from:

  • The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981

  • HSE guidance (L74)

But the law does not give a fixed list of contents. Instead, employers must decide what’s needed based on their environment.

How to Choose the Right First Aid Kit

A good starting point is a simple risk assessment. Ask:

1. How many people work here?

More staff = more equipment.

2. What type of work is being done?

  • Offices → mostly low-risk

  • Warehouses → higher risk (cuts, crush injuries, burns)

  • Retail → public-facing, meaning more incidents

  • Trades, construction, outdoor work → high-risk environments

3. Are visitors, contractors or customers present?

If yes, you may need more supplies and easier access points.

4. How far are you from emergency medical help?

Remote sites may need additional equipment - such as trauma dressings or burn supplies.

Understanding “Low-Risk” vs “High-Risk” Environments

Low-Risk Workplaces

Examples:

  • Offices

  • Call centres

  • Showrooms

Common injuries include small cuts, slips, minor burns, or eye irritation.

Typical kits include:

  • Plasters

  • Medium and large dressings

  • Bandages

  • Gloves

  • Sterile wipes

  • Eyewash

  • Foil blanket

  • Scissors

High-Risk Workplaces

Examples:

  • Warehouses

  • Workshops

  • Manufacturing

  • Catering

  • Construction

Here you may need:

  • Additional dressings

  • Burn treatment

  • Heavy-duty bandages

  • Trauma dressings

  • Extra eye care supplies

  • More than one kit in different areas

Where Should First Aid Kits Be Placed?

Placement matters as much as the contents. Kits should be:

  • Visible

  • Easy to reach

  • Close to known risk areas

  • Mounted or stored securely

  • Accessible to all employees

Avoid hiding kits in locked offices, cupboards, or behind equipment.

In larger workplaces, it’s common to have multiple kits - for example:

  • Reception area

  • Warehouse floor

  • Staff room

  • Vehicles (for mobile workers)

Who Is Responsible for First Aid at Work?

Workplaces must appoint at least one of the following:

First Aider (Trained)

Someone who has completed certified first aid training.

Appointed Person

Someone responsible for:

  • Checking the kit

  • Calling emergency services

  • Recording incidents

Training is recommended but not legally required for this role.

How Often Should Workplace First Aid Kits Be Checked?

Most businesses check kits:

  • Monthly for high-risk sites

  • Every 2–3 months for low-risk offices

  • After any incident where items were used

Checks should include:

  • Expiry dates

  • Damaged packaging

  • Used items

  • Missing tools

  • Stock level of essential dressings

Some workplaces keep a simple log sheet attached to the kit.

Common Mistakes UK Workplaces Make

Here are some issues that come up again and again:

1. Only having one kit for the entire building

Larger sites almost always need multiple kits.

2. Storing kits in the wrong place

If staff can’t get to the kit quickly, it defeats the purpose.

3. Expired or damaged supplies

Old dressings are one of the biggest problems during inspections.

4. Copying another company’s kit

Every workplace has different risks — copying others often means missing essential items.

5. No one checking the kit

Even a great kit becomes useless if unmaintained.

Do You Need a Workplace First Aid Room?

Only required for:

  • Large workplaces

  • High-risk environments

  • Sites with serious injury potential

  • Some regulated industries

Most small businesses don’t need one, but must still provide adequate equipment and access.

For a detailed explanation of when a first aid room is required, you can read our full guide here:
https://firstaidkitsuk.co.uk/blogs/guides/first-aid-room-requirements-uk

Should You Provide First Aid Kits for Work Vehicles?

If employees travel as part of their job, it’s considered part of the workplace.

Examples:

  • Delivery vehicles

  • Company cars

  • Technicians or engineers who travel

  • Mobile workers

Having a dedicated vehicle first aid kit is recommended.

For a detailed look at this topic, you can also read our related guide:
https://firstaidkitsuk.co.uk/blogs/guides/car-first-aid-kit-uk-requirements



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