First Aid at Work Compliance Check

Why this matters

The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require every UK employer to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and trained people so employees can receive immediate help if they are injured or taken ill at work. The starting point is a documented first aid needs assessment, which looks at your workplace hazards, the number and type of staff, remote or lone workers, shift patterns and how far you are from emergency services. The Health and Safety Executive’s guidance (L74) explains that most low-risk workplaces need at least a suitably stocked first aid kit and an appointed person to take charge, while larger or higher-risk sites need trained first aiders holding a valid certificate. Failing to provide adequate first aid is an offence under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and unlimited fines and, in serious cases, prosecution of directors can follow if someone is hurt and help was not available. Common gaps include first aid certificates that have lapsed (they last three years, and HSE recommends annual refresher training), no cover for holidays, night shifts or part-time workers, out-of-date kit contents, and not including visitors, contractors or members of the public in the assessment. Employers must also keep an accident book and report certain incidents under RIDDOR, so first aid planning, record keeping and data protection need to work together.

What you'll need

• The number of employees, and whether they work shifts, part-time hours or remotely
• The main hazards in your workplace (machinery, chemicals, working at height, kitchens, vehicles)
• Whether visitors, customers or contractors regularly attend your premises
• Whether you currently have appointed persons or trained first aiders
• Whether you have a written first aid needs assessment

What you'll get

A personalised compliance report covering: a score out of 100, an executive summary, a list of findings ranked by severity, and a prioritised action plan with timeframes.