⚖️Legal responsibilities (UK)

Legal Framework for First Aid in the Workplace

Explore the key UK laws below. Select each card to understand what the law is and how it affects first aid in the workplace.

UK law sets out clear duties for employers and employees to protect health and safety at work, including providing appropriate first aid arrangements.

HSWA 1974

Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

The main piece of health and safety legislation in the UK.

Hover / tap to flip

What it means for first aid

Employers have a duty of care to protect employees’ health and safety.
This includes providing suitable first aid arrangements.
Employees must take reasonable care and follow site procedures.

FA REGs 1981

Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981

The specific regulations that govern first aid provision in the workplace.

Hover / tap to flip

What it means for first aid

Employers must provide adequate and appropriate first aid equipment.
Trained first aiders or appointed persons must be available.
Employees must be informed of first aid arrangements.

COSHH

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health

Regulations controlling risks from hazardous substances at work.

Hover / tap to flip

What it means for first aid

Exposure risks must be assessed and controlled.
First aid provision may include eye wash or burns treatment.
First aiders follow COSHH assessments and SDS guidance.

RIDDOR

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences

Regulations requiring certain incidents to be formally reported.

Hover / tap to flip

What it means for first aid

Serious injuries and incidents may need reporting to the HSE.
First aiders record treatment in the accident book.
Accurate records support legal compliance and prevention.

Assessment reminder: These laws work together to ensure that first aid provision is planned, appropriate, and legally compliant.
These regulations place legal duties on employers to ensure that appropriate first aid arrangements are in place for their employees.

Employer Responsibilities

Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, employers must:

Carry out a first aid needs assessment
Provide adequate and appropriate first aid equipment
Ensure trained first aiders or appointed persons are available
Inform employees about:
- Who the first aiders are
- Where first aid equipment is located
Review first aid arrangements regularly and when circumstances change

The level of first aid provision depends on factors such as:

Size of the workforce
Nature of the work activities
Workplace hazards
Number of employees and shift patterns

First Aid Needs Assessment

A first aid needs assessment helps determine:

How many first aiders are required
What training level is appropriate (FAW or EFAW)
What equipment is needed (e.g. first aid kits, eye wash, AED)

This assessment must be reviewed regularly, especially if:

Work activities change
New hazards are introduced
The workforce increases

Responsibilities of the First Aider

A trained first aider has a duty of care to:

Act within the limits of their training
Take reasonable care of the casualty
Protect themselves and others from danger
Maintain confidentiality and dignity of the casualty
Record and report incidents according to workplace procedures

First aiders are not legally required to put themselves at risk.

Employee Responsibilities

Employees also have responsibilities under health and safety law. They must:

Take reasonable care of their own health and safety
Follow workplace safety procedures
Report hazards, injuries, and near misses
Cooperate with employers and first aid arrangements

Reporting and Record Keeping

Accidents and incidents should be:

Recorded in an accident book (required where 10 or more employees are present) (HSE Link)
Reported internally according to company procedures (HSE Link)
Reported under RIDDOR where legally required (HSE Link)

Accurate reporting helps improve workplace safety and meet legal obligations.

Quick check:

Which regulation specifically requires employers to provide adequate first aid equipment and trained first aiders?

Show answer

The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981.