Employers & Self-Employed
Click here to download a printable First Aid regulations checklist for employers.
The following is a summary of the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 and guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)which applies to all businesses- employers and self-employed.
1. General Duty
Employers must provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities, and personnel to ensure employees receive immediate attention if injured or taken ill at work.
Applies to all workplaces, including those with fewer than five employees and self-employed individuals.
2. First Aid Needs Assessment
Employers must carry out a risk assessment of needs, considering:
i) Nature of work and workplace hazards/risks.
ii) Size of the workforce.
iii) Work patterns (e.g., shift work, remote working).
iv) Accident history.
V) Locations (e.g., multiple sites, travelling staff).
VI) Special risks (e.g., chemicals, machinery).
3. First Aid Personnel
Based on the needs assessment employers must provide:
Appointed persons (to take charge when someone is injured/ill, call emergency services, look after equipment).
First Aiders with suitable training (e.g., Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) or First Aid at Work (FAW) courses).
The level of training and number of first aiders depends on risks and workforce size.
4. First Aid Equipment and Facilities
A suitably stocked first aid kit must be provided (contents based on risk assessment, not just a fixed list).
Adequate facilities may be required in larger or higher-risk workplaces.
5. Information for Employees
Employers must inform staff about:
i) The first aid arrangements.
ii) Location of equipment and facilities.
iii) Information can be given via signs, notices, or induction briefings.
6. Non-Employees
Regulations apply only to employees, but HSE guidance states employers should also consider providing first aid for visitors, customers, and contractors.
7. Record Keeping
The Accident Book is an essential document for employers and employees, who are required by law to record and report details of specified work-related injuries and incidents.
It enables businesses to comply with legal requirements under social security and health and safety legislation, including Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) requirements.
Every UK employer must assess their workplace risks and ensure that enough trained personnel, equipment, and information are in place so employees can receive immediate first aid.
For further information please check out the HSE website following this link https://www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid/legislation.htm