During a workplace inspection, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) may assess whether your first aid provision is adequate and appropriate. Many employers have basic arrangements in place, but struggle to clearly demonstrate compliance.
This guide explains what inspectors typically look for and how to evidence first aid compliance in a structured and practical way.
This information is general guidance and does not replace professional legal advice.
Inspectors do not look for a specific brand of kit or a fixed checklist. Instead, they assess whether your arrangements are suitable for the risks in your workplace.
They will consider:
Legal background is explained in Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations Explained.
A documented assessment showing how first aid provision has been determined is one of the most important pieces of evidence.
See HSE First Aid Needs Assessment Explained.
First aid planning should align with your wider workplace risk assessment.
See Workplace First Aid Risk Assessment.
Inspectors may check that first aid kits are:
See How to Store First Aid Kits.
Where risk requires trained first aiders, inspectors may check:
See Who Can Provide First Aid.
Employees should know:
See First Aid Signage Requirements.
| Area | What inspectors look for |
|---|---|
| Needs assessment | Documented, relevant and up to date |
| Equipment | Suitable, accessible and maintained |
| Personnel | Trained and available when required |
| Procedures | Clear emergency response plan |
| Records | Accurate and up to date documentation |
Inspectors may review records to understand how incidents are managed and whether lessons are learned.
See Accident Reporting & First Aid Records.
Clear procedures should exist for responding to incidents, including calling emergency services and coordinating response.
See Workplace Emergency Response Plan.
Preparation should focus on ensuring that documentation is accurate, accessible and reflects actual workplace practices.
See Preparing for a First Aid Inspection.
Being able to demonstrate how decisions were made is often more important than the specific equipment in place. A structured approach shows that first aid provision is based on real workplace risks.
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