Are First Aid Kits Required in the UK Workplace?

Find out what the UK first-aid workplace regulations are and the tools you need to keep the workplace safe

Having a trained first aider as well as a first aid kit in the workplace is mandatory in the UK and was first written into law in 1981 with the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations.

But what exactly does a first aid kit need to contain, and how can the contents of a first aid kit prevent accidents from occurring in the workplace?

How many first aid kits do I need?

The number of first aid kits that you have in your workplace will depend on how big your premises are. For instance, if you are just a small start-up with 4 employees, then you will only need one first aid kit and one trained first aider to ensure that if an accident were to occur, they will be first on the scene.



If you are a medium to large size company with multiple rooms and spread out on different floors, then it would probably be more efficient to have a first aid kit per floor and located in rooms that are easily accessible and visible to members of the team, such as a staff room or kitchen area for instance.

However, the number of first aid kits and where you should place them will be determined by the results of the first aid risk assessment.

What is the first aid risk assessment?

Under the Safety (First Aid) at Work Act 1981, it is an employer’s duty of care to ensure employees and visitors to your workplace are free of any risk and injury from occurring while on your premises. Part of this process will include making an assessment of significant risks in your workplace and identifying the risk of injury and ill health that could occur on the premises.

The findings of the first aid risk assessment will determine how many first aid kits you will need, where to place them and the appropriate number of trained first aiders you need in the workplace.

Why do I need a first aid kit?

First aid kits are there to be used in cases of emergencies and should be used in any kind of incident, whether that be a small cut to the finger or a burn to the skin.



Does DHgate sell first-aid kits?

DHgate sells a wide variety of first aid kit accessories to stock in your first aid kit. From high-quality disposable gloves to alcohol-free cleansing wipes, DHgate has all you need for low-cost first-aid kit essentials.

What should I put in the first aid kit?

There is no set list of what should be put in a first aid kit, and the UK law does not state the contents. However, there is a British standard, and if you purchase a first aid kit from a reputable source that complies with the British standard, then it will already contain everything that you need.

A well-stocked first aid kit should include essential items to treat minor injuries, manage emergencies, and provide basic medical care. Here’s a list of key items:

• Bandages
• Medical tape
• Antiseptic wipes
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Disposable gloves
• Instant cold packs
• Facemask

Additional contents may be required depending on the outcome of the first aid risk assessment, as well as the individual needs of members of staff, such as a team member with allergies.