
First Aid (Health & Safety) Regulations 1981:
- Employers Responsibility. The Health & Safety Law stipulates that an employer has a responsibility to ensure that first aid provision in the workplace is sufficient according to their risk assessment ...
- Risk Assessments. ...
- First Aiders. ...
- Courses. ...
- Annual refresher training. ...
- Reporting of Accidents. ...
- Accident Book. ...
- First Response. ...
What are the requirements for Health and safety?
requires employers to comply with safety and health standards and regulations promulgated by OSHA or by a state with an OSHA-approved state plan. In addition, the Act’s General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1), requires employers to provide their employees with a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm.
What are the rules for first aid?
What follows are some rules that cover common conditions and general practices:
- Don't panic.
- First, do no harm.
- CPR can be life-sustaining.
- Time counts.
- Don't use hydrogen peroxide on cuts or open wounds.
What are the first aid regulations?
First aid regulations will specify, in detail, your jurisdiction's requirements. These details will include: The need for a first aid attendant; The availability of first aid attendant during working hours ; The level of training or certification required for the first aid attendant;
What is OSHA rule?
OSHA’s standard currently refers to industry consensus standards issued in 1969. The rule would now refer to standards issued as recently as 2000. This proposed rule only updates the

What are the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981?
This guide outlines what employers are required to do when it comes to first aid in the workplace as outlined in the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981.
First-aid needs assessments
To understand the level of first-aid provision required at a workplace, employers should carry out a first-aid needs assessment. The assessment should cover the particular circumstances of the workplace and the health and safety risks.
First-aiders
You should use your first-aid needs assessment to work out if first-aiders are necessary or an appointed person might be adequate for your organisation, a specific location or the type of work being undertaken. That is the minimum required under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981.
First aid equipment and facilities
The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require that employers provide “adequate and appropriate” first-aid equipment and facilities. How much and what equipment and facilities you need to provide will be decided by a first-aid needs assessment, but as a minimum, you should have a first-aid kit with suitable contents.
First aid training
All first-aiders must be formally trained with a recognised qualification and should be trained in first aid at work (FAW), emergency first aid at work (EFAW) or other appropriate first-aid training.
Health and Safety First Aid Regulations 1981 – employee responsibilities
Although employees do not have specific duties for first aid in the workplace, the Health and Safety Executive recommends that they inform their employer of any health issues that should be considered during a first-aid needs assessment.
Responsibilities of the self-employed
Self-employed individuals are also required to have “adequate and appropriate” equipment to provide first aid for themselves while at work. They should carry out an assessment of the hazards and risks in their workplace to establish an appropriate level of equipment.
What does "first aid" mean?
“ first-aid ” means —. (a) in cases where a person will need help from a medical practitioner or nurse, treatment for the purpose of preserving life and minimising the consequences of injury and illness until such help is obtained, and. (b)
What is the 1974 Act?
The Secretary of State, in exercise of the powers conferred on him by sections 15 (1), (2), (3) (a), (4) (a), (5) (b) and (9) and 49 (1) and (4) of, and paragraphs 10 and 14 of Schedule 3 to, the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 ( 1) (“the 1974 Act”) and of all other powers enabling him in that behalf and for the purpose of giving effect without modifications to proposals submitted to him by the Health and Safety Commission under section 11 (2) (d) of the 1974 Act after the carrying out by the said Commission of consultations in accordance with section 50 (3) of that Act, hereby makes the following Regulations:—
Which regulation applies to all employment in Great Britain?
The Regulations apply, subject to the exceptions set out in Regulation 7, to all employment in Great Britain and to certain employment offshore as specified in Regulation 9.
When was section 15 and 49 amended?
sections 15 and 49 were amended by the Employment Protection Act 1975 (c. 71), section 116 and Schedule 15, paragraphs 6 and 15.
Which regulation ended HSE's approval of first aid training providers?
further clarify the significance of the 2013 amendment to regulation 3 (2), which ended HSE's approval of first-aid training providers
What are the requirements for first aid?
It provides guidance on: 1 managing the provision of first aid (first-aid kit, equipment, rooms etc) 2 requirements and training for first-aiders 3 requirements for appointed persons 4 making employees aware of first-aid arrangements 5 first aid and the self-employed 6 cases where first-aid regulations do not apply
When did the first aid regulations come into effect?
The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981. The Regulations require employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to enable first aid to be given to employees who are injured or become ill at work. A first-aid box must be provided at each workplace location, and a first-aid 'appointed person' should be ...
When did HSE stop approving first aid training?
Since the 1st October 2013 HSE no longer approves training and qualifications for the purposes of first aid at work. Training organisations who were formerly ‘Approved’ by HSE to deliver First Aid at Work Training can no longer claim to be HSE Approved or use their HSE Approval number.
What is the HSE guidance booklet?
HSE guidance booklet - 'First aid at work: The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981: Guidance on regulations'. HSE guidance leaflet - 'Blood-borne viruses in the workplace: Guidance for employers and employees'.
Is an appointed person a first aid?
An appointed person is not necessarily a fully trained first-aider. Practices fall into the category of smaller organisations where there is a low risk of injury, and are not required to have fully trained first-aiders.
Do accidents have to be recorded in an accident book?
All accidents / injuries at work must be recorded in an accident book.
Do shift workers need to be aware of the location of the first aid box?
However, practices will need to consider remote locations and / or locations shared with other organisations when planning their first aid provisions, and the provision of first aid cover for any shift workers and mobile workers. Staff must be made aware of the location of the first-aid box and the name (s) of first-aiders.
What is an assessment of first aid needs?
Assessment of first-aid needs. Employers are required to carry out an assessment of first-aid needs. This involves consideration of workplace hazards and risks, the size of the organisation and other relevant factors, to determine what first-aid equipment, facilities and personnel should be provided. First aid at work: your questions answered.
What is the HSE prosecuting?
HSE will prosecute in cases where there is a significant risk, a disregard for established standards or persistent poor compliance with the law. More information can be found in
Do you need to have first aid equipment when you are self employed?
If you are self employed you are required to ensure you have such equipment, as may be adequate and appropriate in the circumstances, to provide first aid to yourself while at work. You should make an assessment of the hazards and risks in your workplace and establish an appropriate level of first-aid provision.
Do employers have to make first aid provision for non-employees?
The Regulations do not place a legal duty on employers to make first-aid provision for non-employees such as the public. [2] or children in schools. [3] . However, HSE strongly recommends that non-employees are included in an assessment of first-aid needs and that provision is made for them.
How long is the HSE first aid course?
HSE First Aid at Work (3 day course).
What is the responsibility of an employer in a health and safety situation?
The Health & Safety Law stipulated that an employer has a responsibility to ensure that first aid provision in the workplace is sufficient according to their risk assessment carried out.
What is the purpose of accident book?
The information recorded can be useful in identifying accident trends and an area of concern that may need to be addressed and be reassessed i.e. risk assessment, not forgetting any insurance investigation.
Do employers provide first aid kits?
Employers provide sufficient first aid kits and equipment.

What Are The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981?
Employers’ First Aid Responsibilities
First-Aid Needs Assessments
- To understand the level of first-aid provision required at a workplace, employers should carry out a first-aid needs assessment. The assessment should cover the particular circumstances of the workplace and the health and safety risks. Areas to consider include: 1. The type of work the organisation does. 2. The hazards and risks in the workplace. 3. The size and work patterns of t…
first-aiders
- You should use your first-aid needs assessment to work out if first-aiders are necessary or an appointed person might be adequate for your organisation, a specific location or the type of work being undertaken. That is the minimum required under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981. First-aiders must have received training, such as our First Aid Appointed Pers…
First Aid Equipment and Facilities
- The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require that employers provide “adequate and appropriate” first-aid equipment and facilities. How much and what equipment and facilities you need to provide will be decided by a first-aid needs assessment, but as a minimum, you should have a first-aid kit with suitable contents. For an organisation...
First Aid Training
- All first-aiders must be formally trained with a recognised qualification and should be trained in first aid at work (FAW), emergency first aid at work (EFAW) or other appropriate first-aid training. EFAW allows first-aiders to give emergency first aid to someone who is injured or becomes ill, while FAW provides the same skills as well as enabling the first-aider to deliver first aid in respo…
Health and Safety First Aid Regulations 1981 – Employee Responsibilities
- Although employees do not have specific duties for first aid in the workplace, the Health and Safety Executive recommends that they inform their employer of any health issues that should be considered during a first-aid needs assessment. If an employee needs to take medication, such as a spray for angina or an inhaler for asthma, employers can ensure first-aiders receive relevant tr…
Responsibilities of The Self-Employed
- Self-employed individuals are also required to have “adequate and appropriate” equipment to provide first aid for themselves while at work. They should carry out an assessment of the hazards and risks in their workplace to establish an appropriate level of equipment. For example, those who regularly drive long distances may need a first aid kit in their vehicle. Although the sel…
Citation and Commencement
- 1.These Regulations may be cited as the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 and shall come into operation on 1st July 1982.
Interpretation
- 2.—(1) In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires— “first-aid” means— “mine” means a mine within the meaning of section 180 of the Mines and Quarries Act 1954(2). (2) In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to— (a)a numbered Regulation or Schedule is a reference to the Regulation of, or Schedule to, these Regulations bea…
Duty of Employer to Make Provision For First-Aid
- 3.—(1) An employer shall provide, or ensure that there are provided, such equipment and facilities as are adequate and appropriate in the circumstances for enabling first-aid to be rendered to his employees if they are injured or become ill at work. (2) Subject to paragraphs (3) and (4), an employer shall provide, or ensure that there is provided, such number of suitable persons as is a…
Duty of Self-Employed Person to Provide First-Aid Equipment
- 5.A self-employed person shall provide, or ensure that there is provided, such equipment, if any, as is adequate and appropriate in the circumstances to enable him to render first-aid to himself while he is at work.
Power to Grant Exemptions
- 6.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the Health and Safety Executive may, by a certificate in writing, exempt any person or class of persons, from any of the requirements imposed by these Regulations, and any such exemption may be granted subject to conditions and to a limit of time and may be revoked at any time. (2) The Executive shall not grant any such exemption unless, h…
Cases Where These Regulations Do Not Apply
- 7.These Regulations shall not apply— (a)where the Diving Operations at Work Regulations 1981 apply; (b)where the Merchant Shipping (Medical Scales) (Fishing Vessels) Regulations 1974 apply; (c)where the Merchant Shipping (Medical Scales) Regulations 1974 apply; (d)on vessels which are registered outside the United Kingdom; (e)to a mine of coal, stratified ironstone, shale or fireclay…
Application to Miscellaneous Mines
- 8.In their application to mines not excluded from these Regulations by Regulation 7(e), Regulations 3 and 4 shall have effect as if the manager for the time being of any such mine were an employer and as if the persons employed were his employees.
Application Offshore
- 9.Subject to Regulation 7, these Regulations shall apply to and in relation to any premises or activity to or in relation to which sections 1 to 59 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 apply by virtue of Articles 6 and 7(a), (b) and (d) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (Application outside Great Britain) Order 1977 (which relate respectively to mines extending bey…
Repeals, Revocations and Modification
- 10.—(1) The enactments mentioned in column (1) of Schedule 1 are hereby repealed to the extent specified opposite thereto in column (3) of that Schedule. (2) The Orders and Regulations mentioned in column (1) of Schedule 2 are hereby revoked to the extent specified opposite thereto in column (3) of that Schedule. (3) Section 91(1) of the Mines and Quarries Act 1954 sha…
Explanatory Note
- These Regulations provide that an employer shall make first-aid arrangements for his employees or shall ensure that these are made and that he shall inform his employees of such arrangements. The Regulations further provide that a self-employed person shall provide first-aid equipment for himself or shall ensure that it is provided. The Regulations apply, subject to the exceptions set o…