THE DUTIES OF AN EMPLOYER

Health and Safety Regulations

The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to enable first aid to be given to employees if they are injured or become ill at work. These Regulations apply to all workplaces including those with five or fewer employees and to the self-employed. Detailed information can be found in the Approved Code of Practice and Guidance:

First aid at work
The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 L74 - available from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE.)

What first aid personnel and equipment is required?

What is adequate 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 needed. Employers should carry out an assessment of first aid needs to determine this but see the 'numbers or first aiders required' page for general guidance.

The Regulations do not place a legal obligation on employers to make first aid provision for non-employees such as the public or children in schools. However the HSE strongly recommends that non-employees are included in a first aid needs assessment and that provision is made for them.