Introduction

Every employer in the UK has a legal duty to ensure employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work. This means having a proper first aid station in place. But what does the UK law actually require?

Let’s break down what your workplace must include to stay compliant with HSE regulations — and avoid costly fines.

The Legal Basics

Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, employers must:

• Provide adequate and appropriate first aid equipment and facilities.
• Ensure trained personnel are available to give first aid.
• Inform all employees of first aid arrangements.

This applies to all workplaces, no matter the size.

What “Adequate and Appropriate” Means

The term “adequate and appropriate” depends on your risk level. A small office will have different needs than a factory floor or construction site.

In general, every first aid station should include:

• At least one compliant first aid kit (BS 8599-1 standard)
• Clear first aid signage
• A record book for incidents
• Access to a trained first aider if risk level requires it

Location and Visibility

A first aid station must be:

• Clearly visible and well signed
• Easily accessible to everyone on site
• Not locked or hidden — employees must reach it without barriers

Magnetic or wall-mounted stations work best in shared spaces or near common hazards.

What to Include in the First Aid Kit

According to British Standard BS 8599-1, contents should include:

• Sterile dressings and plasters
• Eye pads and bandages
• Gloves
• Wound cleansing wipes
• Emergency foil blanket
• Shears and adhesive tape
• Burn dressings (if burn risk exists)

You may need to add eyewash or burns kits depending on the nature of your work.

What About First Aiders?

A low-risk workplace (like a small office) may only need an appointed person to oversee first aid. Higher-risk environments require trained first aiders certified by recognised training providers (like St John Ambulance or Red Cross).

Extras That Go a Long Way

While not legally required, we recommend:

• Dry wipe surfaces for updating who’s on shift
• Storage for refill packs
• A board that includes visual instructions or icons
• Integrated document holders for first aid records

These make compliance easier and save time during emergencies.

Simplify Compliance with Safety Outlet

We offer pre-made and customisable first aid stations designed to meet HSE expectations. Our setups include:

• Magnetic boards
• First aid kits (BS 8599-1 compliant)
• Optional burns kits and eyewash
• Signage and document holders

Related Reads:

• Burns Kits, Eyewash and First Aid: What Goes Where?
• Workplace Compliance Made Easy with Ready-Made Safety Stations