How to arrange first aid training and equipment

To comply with UK health and safety law, you must ensure that your construction sites have adequate first aid equipment, facilities, and personnel. At a minimum, this means having a fully stocked first aid kit, a designated "Appointed Person" to take charge of first aid arrangements, and clear signage so everyone knows where to go in an emergency. Failing to provide this not only puts your team at risk but can also lead to heavy fines from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Step 1: Assess your first aid needs

The "adequacy" of your first aid depends on the nature of your work. Because construction is considered a high-risk industry, your requirements will be more stringent than a typical office. When assessing a project, consider:

• The number of workers: More people on-site equals a need for more kits and more trained first aiders.
• The nature of the work: Using heavy machinery or working at height increases the risk of serious injury.
• Location: If a site is remote or far from the nearest hospital, you may need more advanced equipment or additional training.

Step 2: Purchase the right equipment

In the UK, first aid kits should meet the BS 8599-1 standard. This ensures the kit contains the specific items recommended by the British Standards Institute for a workplace environment. Kits come in different sizes based on the number of employees:

Risk Level	Small Kit	Medium Kit	Large Kit
High Risk (Construction)	Fewer than 5 employees	5–25 employees	More than 25 employees

Don't forget to include a travel first aid kit for your work vehicle, as this is often where the first response happens if an accident occurs during transit or while setting up a site.

Step 3: Choose the right training level

You must ensure that at least one person on every site is responsible for first aid. There are three common levels of responsibility:

1. Appointed Person (AP): This is the minimum requirement. They take charge of first aid arrangements, including looking after the equipment and calling emergency services. They do not necessarily need formal first aid training, though it is highly recommended.
2. Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW): A one-day course that enables a person to give emergency first aid to someone who is injured or ill. This is usually sufficient for smaller, lower-risk construction sites.
3. First Aid at Work (FAW): A more comprehensive three-day course. This is often the gold standard for lead contractors or those managing larger, high-risk projects.

Pro Tip: Always check when a qualification expires. Most first aid certificates are valid for three years, after which a refresher course is required to stay legal.

Step 4: Maintenance and visibility

First aid is not a "set and forget" task. To stay compliant, follow these best practices:

• Appoint a checker: Assign someone to check the first aid kits monthly. Replace any items that have been used or have passed their expiry date (sterile items like eyewash or bandages do expire!).
• Signage: Place a "Green Cross" first aid sign in a prominent position on-site. The sign should clearly state who the first aider is and where the kit is kept.
• Accident Book: Ensure you have a GDPR-compliant accident book to record all injuries. This is a legal requirement for businesses with 10 or more employees, but is best practice for everyone.