First Aid on Construction Sites: UK Requirements

Pro Site Docs · Guide

Construction is a high-risk industry, so the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 bite harder on site than in an office. Here is what UK contractors actually need to provide — and record.

How many first aiders?

The law requires provision that is adequate and appropriate for the circumstances — your first aid needs assessment decides the numbers. HSE guidance for higher-risk work like construction points to at least one EFAW-trained first aider for smaller sites, and first aiders with the full FAW qualification as numbers grow, with cover for shifts, absence and spread-out workfaces. Lone and travelling workers need arrangements too.

Kit, signage and eyewash

A construction first aid kit (BS 8599-1 compliant) sized to the workforce, clearly signed, checked and restocked on a schedule. Add eyewash where mains water is not available, burns dressings for hot works, and consider an AED for larger or remote sites. The appointed person's name and location of kit belong on the site noticeboard and in the induction.

Emergency arrangements

First aid is one part of your site emergency plan: who calls 999, the site address and access gate for the ambulance, who meets it, and how casualties are reached at height or in excavations. Rehearse the awkward cases — a casualty in a scaffold or a confined space is a rescue plan, not an improvisation.

Records and RIDDOR

Every treatment goes in the accident book. Deaths, specified injuries, over-7-day injuries and dangerous occurrences must be reported to HSE under RIDDOR. Keep your first aid needs assessment, training certificates and kit check records — they are the proof your provision was "adequate and appropriate".

The documents, ready-made

The First Aid & Emergency Pack includes the needs assessment, accident and near-miss forms, emergency plan and kit check register as editable Word files. Single forms are available in single documents.