First Aid Kits & Supplies

As standard, low-risk workplaces such as small offices should have a first aid kit and a person appointed to take charge of first aid arrangements. This would include maintaining the contents of the first aid kit and calling the emergency services when necessary. Employers must provide information about first aid arrangements to their employees.

Where there are more significant health and safety risks, workplaces are more likely to need a trained first-aider. A first-aid needs assessment will help employers decide what first aid arrangements are appropriate for their workplace. It will also help them determine what type(s) of first aid kits would be required.

Here you'll find all you need to kit out your workplace first aid requirements. We supply everything from bandages and plasters, to safety pins and first aid guidance leaflets.

What should a workplace first aid kit contain?

For example, where work activities involve low hazards, a minimum stock of first aid kit items would be:

• a leaflet giving general guidance on first aid
• individually wrapped sterile plasters (assorted sizes), appropriate to the type of work
• sterile eye pads
• individually wrapped triangular bandages, preferably sterile
• safety pins
• large sterile individually wrapped unmedicated wound dressings
• medium sized sterile individually wrapped unmedicated wound dressings
• several pairs of disposable gloves

This is only a suggested contents list if you're putting together your own kit. For your convenience and peace of mind, we have complete first aid kits available to buy online. We do recommended that you don't keep tablets and medicines in the first aid kit.

How often should the contents of first aid kits be replaced?

Although there is no specified review timetable, many items, particularly sterile ones, are marked with expiry dates. They should be replaced by the dates given and expired items disposed of safely. In cases where sterile items have no dates, it would be advisable to check and find out how long they can be kept. For non-sterile items without dates, it is a matter of judgement, based on whether they are fit for purpose. See our first aid kit refill items for prices.

Employers First Aid Legal Duties

The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to ensure their employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work. These Regulations apply to all workplaces including those with less than five employees and to the self-employed.

What is ‘adequate and appropriate’ will depend on the circumstances in the workplace. This includes whether trained first-aiders are needed, what should be included in a first-aid box and if a first-aid room is required. Employers should carry out an assessment of first-aid needs to determine what to provide.

More information on Employers legal duties regarding first aid can be found on the HSE website.