Every UK workplace must have suitable first aid provisions to meet Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations. That means having a first aid kit stocked with the right supplies: plasters, bandages, sterile dressings, disposable gloves, and face shields.
What should be in a workplace first aid kit depends on your environment. A small office may only need basic items, while a construction site or factory will require more advanced supplies to treat serious injuries. The number of employees and the British Standard BS 8599-1 classification also affect what’s needed.
At Professional Saver, we know how important it is to meet health and safety obligations. With over 40 years of experience, our insurance specialists support professionals across various industries. We offer tailored business cover, like professional indemnity and public liability insurance, from just £54 per year. But we also believe in preventing risks where possible. A well-prepared first aid kit is a simple, effective step towards a safer workplace.
What Are the Legal Requirements for Workplace First Aid Kits?
Under the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, all UK employers must provide adequate first aid equipment for their staff. But what does “adequate” really mean?
The HSE doesn’t give a fixed list of first aid kit contents. Instead, you must carry out a first aid needs assessment. This helps you decide what to include in your kit based on factors like:
- The type of work and any specific hazards
- The number of employees
- How staff are spread across different locations
- Distance from emergency medical services
- Past accidents in your workplace
- Working patterns, including shift work
Failing to provide proper first aid equipment can lead to prosecution, fines, and increased liability. This is where employers’ liability insurance plays a crucial role, especially if an employee is harmed due to poor provisions.
What Is the BS 8599-1 Standard?
BS 8599-1 is the British Standard for workplace first aid kits. It gives clear guidance on what your kit should contain and how big it should be. The latest version was published in 2019.
This standard helps you choose the right kit based on how many people you employ and the level of risk in your workplace:
| Kit Type | Suitable For | Risk Level |
| Small | Up to 25 people | Low-risk environments |
| Medium | 25–100 people | Low to medium risk |
| Large | Over 100 people | Higher-risk environments |
| Travel | Lone or mobile workers | Varies by job and setting |
Kits that meet BS 8599-1 will display the standard’s code on the packaging.
The HSE doesn’t legally require you to use BS 8599-1 kits or refer to them by name. However, following this standard is widely seen as best practice. It shows you’ve taken steps to match your first aid provision to the size and risk level of your workplace – and that can help demonstrate compliance with regulations.
How Do You Conduct a First Aid Needs Assessment?
Before purchasing first aid supplies, you must conduct a thorough needs assessment. This process involves:
- Identifying workplace hazards – Chemical exposure, machinery, confined spaces, etc.
- Assessing potential injuries – Cuts, burns, eye injuries, fractures, etc.
- Considering workforce characteristics – Number of employees, special health needs, remote workers
- Evaluating workplace logistics – Multiple buildings, floors, remote locations
- Reviewing accident history – Types and frequency of previous incidents
The HSE provides a helpful First Aid Needs Assessment Tool to guide employers through this process. Your assessment should be documented and reviewed regularly, particularly after significant workplace changes or incidents.
What Must Be Included in a Standard Workplace First Aid Kit?
A British Standard BS 8599-1 compliant workplace first aid kit should contain the following essential items:
Wound Care
- Sterile adhesive plasters in assorted sizes
- Sterile eye pads
- Sterile dressings in various sizes
- Triangular bandages
- Adhesive tape
- Sterile wound closure strips
Personal Protection
- Disposable gloves
- Face shield or pocket mask for resuscitation
- Disposable aprons
- Hand sanitiser
Tools and Accessories
- Scissors (blunt-tipped)
- Tweezers
- Conforming bandages
- Safety pins
- Guidance leaflet for first aid
Additional Items
- Burn dressings
- Sterile eye wash (where required)
- Foil blanket
The quantities of each item will vary depending on whether you need a small, medium, or large kit, according to your needs assessment.
What Additional Items Might Be Needed Based on Specific Workplace Risks?
Depending on your industry and specific hazards, you may need to supplement your standard first aid kit with specialised items:
For Chemical Environments
- Emergency eyewash stations
- Chemical burn treatments
- pH-neutral solutions
For Construction or Manufacturing
- Extra trauma dressings
- Tourniquet and haemostatic dressings
- Splints and supports
For Food Preparation Areas
- Blue detectable plasters
- Burns kit
- Eye irrigation solution
For Remote Workers
- Personal travel first aid kits
- Thermal blankets
- Longer-lasting supplies
Remember that these additional items should be based on your specific first aid needs assessment and the nature of potential injuries in your workplace.
How Should You Maintain and Check First Aid Kits?
You should check your workplace first aid kits regularly to keep them fully stocked and up to date. Appoint someone to inspect each kit at least once a month. Use a checklist based on your kit’s contents, and record the date and findings each time. Replace any items that are missing or close to their expiry date.
Keep your kits in a clearly marked, accessible place. Many businesses also use a first aid logbook to track when supplies are used. This can help you spot patterns and make sure you always have what you need on hand. To further protect physical assets like stocked first aid supplies, consider business contents and equipment insurance.
Who Should Be Responsible for First Aid in the Workplace?
Adequate first aid provision extends beyond just having the right equipment. You also need trained personnel:
- First aiders – Employees who have completed formal first aid at work training.
- Emergency first aiders – Staff with basic emergency first aid training.
- Appointed persons – Individuals responsible for first aid arrangements.
The number of trained first aiders required depends on your workplace risk level:
| Risk Level | Examples | Minimum First Aid Provision |
| Low-risk | Offices, shops | At least one appointed person. Add more for larger teams. |
| Medium-risk | Light manufacturing, warehousing | At least one trained first aider per 50 employees. |
| High-risk | Construction, chemical processing | At least one trained first aider per 25 employees. |
First aiders should receive HSE-approved training and certification. This must be renewed every three years to remain valid.
Why Is Proper First Aid Provision Essential for Your Business?
Proper first aid provision isn’t just about meeting legal requirements, it shows you care about your team’s safety and wellbeing. Having the right support in place helps you respond quickly when accidents happen. Effective first aid can reduce the severity of injuries and stop minor issues from getting worse, potentially lowering your risk of third-party injury claims, which may be covered under public liability insurance.
Supporting Safe Workplaces with Smart Insurance
As insurance specialists, Professional Saver recognises that proper risk management practices, such as maintaining adequate first aid provisions, can positively impact business operations and reduce exposure to negligence claims where professional indemnity insurance would provide protection.
While we don’t offer specific coverage for first aid equipment, our employers’ liability, professional indemnity, and public liability insurance packages protect against claims arising from workplace incidents. With policies available from £54 per year and instalment options for annual policies over £125, we make it affordable to protect your business while you focus on creating a safe workplace.
Get a quote for insurance solutions tailored specifically for professionals today.
