Picking the right first aid kit for your workplace

Picking the right first aid kit for your workplace is very important for both safety as well as compliance with health and safety regulations. Each workplace comes with different levels of risk, meaning they all have different needs and requirements for the level of first aid supplies that must be stocked. 

Why does my workplace need a first aid kit?

Every workplace in the UK is legally required under the Health and Safety Regulations 1981 to provide appropriate, adequate first aid supplies, based on a workplace risk assessment. A durable and well stocked first aid kit will ensure any injuries can be treated immediately, which will further prevent any minor incidents from becoming a serious medical emergency.

What are the different types of first aid kits for a workplace?

First aid kits for workplaces can differ based on their individual risk level:

• Low-risk environments (for example, offices or retail stores), these are workplaces where injuries aren’t common, and if they are normally it would be one person at a time with a minor injury. These workplaces should have a small first aid kit compliant with BS 8599-1:2019, including items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and plasters.
• Medium-risk workplaces (for example, schools, warehouses), these are workplaces where injuries can be more common, that may need a 1-10 person first aid kit or a suitable kit for their individual level of risk, as per BS 8599-1:2019, that includes items such as wound dressings, plasters, and triangular bandages.
• High-risk environments (e.g., factories, construction sites, farms) should have a large workplace first aid kit in line with BS 8599-1:2019, including items like burn dressings, trauma dressings, haemostatic dressings, foil blankets, and conforming bandages. However, personal protective equipment such as FFP3 respirators can also be required.

What first aid kit is best for an office?

For offices, a smaller workplace first aid kit is usually enough, as injuries here are uncommon and normally minor. This kit should include:

• Sterile dressings
• Adhesive bandages
• Antiseptic wipes
• Scissors and tweezers
• Eye wash pods

What type of first aid kit equipment should a construction site have?

Construction sites tend to have higher risks due to the heavy machinery and hazardous materials being used. A first aid kit for a construction site should include:

• Large wound dressings
• Haemostatic dressings
• Eye irrigation solutions
• Burns dressings
• Where appropriate, additional trauma items such as tourniquets and bleed kits.

Stocked first aid supplies ensure that serious injuries can be dealt with until first responders arrive. It is also highly recommended to keep personal protective equipment like FFP3 masks easily accessible to prevent the inhalation of harmful dust and debris.

What first aid kit do schools require?

Schools need first aid kits for both staff and students. These should include:

• Child-friendly plasters
• Cold packs for minor bumps and bruises
• Sterile gauze pads
• Burn gel dressings
• Disposable gloves

In addition to having a good stock of first aid supplies, having items like reusable hand warmers can be useful for outdoor activities or sports in the colder months.

What about first aid kits for farms and rural workplaces?

Farms and rural workplaces are more dangerous than you may think. They often deal with very sharp tools, heavy machinery or vehicles, as well as animal related injuries. A farm first aid kit should include:

• Trauma bandages
• Sterile eye wash solutions
• Bite and sting treatments
• Heavy-duty gloves
• Tourniquets for severe bleeding emergencies

Because a lot of farms tend to be far away from most medical facilities, having a well-stocked kit is important for an immediate emergency response.

How many first aid kits should my workplace have?

The number of first aid kits that should be kept all depends on the workplace size, amount of employees as well as the building layout:

• Small offices may only need one or two kits.
• Large offices, warehouses, or multi-floor buildings should always have multiple kits in easily accessible locations.
• Construction sites and farms should keep a portable bum bag first aid kit for workers across different areas.

Should first aid kits be checked regularly?

First aid kits should be checked regularly, in accordance with the employer’s risk assessment, to ensure the first aid supplies are fully stocked and within their expiry dates.. Items that eventually expire, such as antiseptic wipes and sterile dressings, should be replaced when needed. Keeping an up-to-date checklist for restocking can benefit in staying compliant with workplace health and safety regulations.

Choosing the right first aid kit for your workplace all depends on the level of risk and number of employees within your workplace. For all your safety essentials, explore our variety of first aid supplies to keep your workplace fully equipped and ready for emergencies.