Creating a safe working environment isn’t just good practice—it’s the law. Under UK health and safety legislation, all workplaces must provide adequate first-aid facilities for their employees. Whether you run a large company, a small office, or a retail store, you have a legal duty to ensure your staff have immediate access to help in case of accidents or medical emergencies.
The Legal Duty of Employers
The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 state that every employer must provide:
• First-aid equipment, such as BS 8599-1 compliant first-aid kits
• Trained first-aid personnel where necessary
• Accessible and visible first-aid facilities suited to the size and risks of the workplace
What’s considered “adequate” depends on your workplace. For example, an office may need only a simple first-aid kit and an appointed person, while warehouses, construction sites, or factories require more comprehensive arrangements, including multiple trained first-aiders and specialist equipment.
Why Workplace First Aid Matters
Accidents and medical emergencies can happen anywhere. Having the right first-aid facilities in place means:
• Quick response to injuries and incidents
• Greater peace of mind for employees
• Full legal compliance, avoiding penalties
• A positive workplace culture that prioritises staff wellbeing
First-Aid Essentials for Every Workplace
At a minimum, most businesses should provide:
• A fully stocked first-aid kit, regularly checked and replenished
• A clearly marked first-aid station or designated area
• An appointed person responsible for first-aid arrangements
• Clear health and safety signage to direct employees to help quickly
High-risk workplaces may also require trained first-aiders, eyewash stations, or defibrillators.
First-Aid Supplies from Global Office Supplies
At Global Office Supplies, we stock a full range of workplace first-aid kits and health and safety supplies to keep your business compliant and your staff safe, including:
• BS 8599-1 compliant first-aid kits for all workplace sizes
• Refill packs to keep kits fully stocked
• First-aid room equipment for larger organisations
• Health and safety signage for visibility and compliance
By equipping your workplace with the right first-aid provisions, you’ll meet your legal obligations while creating a safer environment for your team.
Stay compliant. Stay prepared. Protect your people.
Browse our range of workplace first-aid supplies at Global Office Supplies.
