First Aid Kits for Builders and Construction Sites (UK Requirements)

  • 5 min reading time

Construction sites are high-risk environments where accidents can happen quickly. UK law requires builders and site managers to provide appropriate first aid equipment, facilities, and trained personnel. This guide explains the UK requirements for construction site first aid kits, recommended contents, and how to stay compliant.

Why First Aid Is Essential on Construction Sites

Builders face daily risks such as cuts, burns, falls, crush injuries and eye injuries. Prompt first aid can reduce the severity of incidents, prevent complications and, in serious cases, save lives. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) expects construction sites to have robust first aid provisions, not just a basic box.

UK Legal Requirements for Construction Site First Aid

All construction sites in the UK must comply with the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981. Employers and site managers must provide:

  • ✅ Adequate and appropriate first aid equipment
  • ✅ Suitable facilities for administering first aid
  • ✅ Trained personnel to give first aid if needed

The level of provision should reflect the site's risk assessment, workforce size, and type of work being carried out. Construction environments typically require more extensive kits than low-risk workplaces.

For more information on legal standards, see our BS 8599 Standards Guide and Workplace Kit Requirements.

Recommended First Aid Kit Contents for Construction Sites (UK)

Most construction sites use BS 8599-1 compliant workplace first aid kits, usually Medium or Large depending on the number of workers. Additional items such as eye wash, burn dressings and trauma pads are often required to reflect site-specific risks.

Item Typical Quantity (Medium Kit) Purpose
Adhesive plasters 40 Cover minor cuts
Eye pads 4 Protect eye injuries
Triangular bandages 4 Support limbs or create slings
Safety pins 12 Secure bandages
Large dressings 3 Cover larger wounds
Medium dressings 6 Cover moderate wounds
Non-woven swabs 20 Clean wounds
Nitrile gloves (pairs) 6 Hygiene and protection
Microporous tape 2 Secure dressings
Foil blanket 2 Prevent heat loss
CPR face shield 1 Safer resuscitation
Eye wash pods (20ml) 5+ Rinse eyes if irrigation not available
Burn dressings 2+ Treat burn injuries
Shears 1 Cut clothing and bandages safely

Many construction sites also install eye wash stations or wall-mounted kits in high-risk areas in addition to portable kits.

Kit Sizes & Placement on Construction Sites

  • Small sites / mobile teams: 1 Medium workplace kit may be enough.
  • Large sites: Multiple kits should be placed at clearly marked, accessible points.
  • Consider separate kits for:
  • Check kits regularly and keep contents in date.

First Aid Personnel & Training

Construction sites must have nominated first aiders with appropriate training. The number of trained personnel depends on the site's size and risk level. First aiders should be confident using all kit contents and responding to common site injuries such as severe bleeding or eye incidents.

Learn more in our Kits vs Training Guide.

Maintenance and Compliance

  • Appoint someone to check kits regularly and keep records of inspections.
  • Replace used or expired items promptly.
  • Display clear signs showing kit locations and first aider details.
  • Ensure contents align with current BS 8599 standards.

See our Refills Guide and Storage Guide for more practical advice.

Construction Site First Aid — FAQ

What size first aid kit do I need for a construction site in the UK?
Most sites need at least a Medium BS 8599-1 workplace kit. Large sites or those with multiple work zones often require multiple kits placed strategically around the site.
Do I need trained first aiders on site?
Yes. UK law requires employers to provide trained personnel as part of their first aid provision, not just a kit.
Are BS 8599-1 kits mandatory for construction sites?
BS 8599-1 kits are not legal requirements, but they are the recognised UK standard. HSE recommends using them as best practice to meet regulatory obligations.
How often should site kits be checked?
Check kits regularly — ideally monthly — and after any use to ensure contents are complete and in date.
Can vehicle kits be used for site workers?
Vehicle kits are designed for mobile teams or site vehicles. They should complement, not replace, main site kits.

 

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