Shared worksites are common in the UK, particularly where contractors, subcontractors and in-house teams work side by side. First aid provision can become unclear when multiple employers operate in the same space.
This guide explains how first aid responsibilities apply to contractors and shared worksites in the UK, how duties are divided, and how effective coordination helps avoid gaps in provision.
It is written as a reference for employers, site managers, principal contractors, property managers and anyone responsible for shared or multi-employer workplaces.
A shared worksite is any location where workers from more than one organisation are present.
Common examples include:
In these settings, first aid arrangements must reflect the combined risks created by multiple activities.
Yes. Contractors are employees of their own organisations and must be covered by suitable first aid arrangements.
Each employer remains responsible for their workers. However, where activities overlap, cooperation and coordination are required to ensure effective first aid provision.
The legal framework for these duties is explained in UK First Aid Law Explained.
UK health and safety law expects employers to cooperate where their activities affect others.
On shared worksites, this means:
Clear arrangements help ensure injured persons receive prompt assistance, regardless of employer.
On many sites, one organisation controls the premises or overall project.
Where a principal contractor or site controller is appointed, they often:
This does not remove responsibility from individual employers, but it helps provide consistent coverage.
Risk assessment is central to deciding first aid provision.
Assessments should consider:
Guidance on assessing changing risks is covered in Workplace First Aid Risk Assessment (UK).
Shared worksites may use:
Whichever approach is used, roles must be clear to all workers on site. Role definitions are explained in Appointed First Aiders: Roles & Duties (UK).
| Party | Main responsibility | First aid considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Individual employers | Protect their own workers | Ensure staff have access to suitable first aid |
| Principal contractor | Coordinate site safety | Provide or manage shared first aid arrangements |
| Property owner / controller | Manage premises risks | Ensure facilities remain accessible and safe |
| Contractors | Follow site procedures | Use agreed first aid arrangements |
On shared sites, first aid equipment is often pooled.
Good practice includes:
Access routes must remain clear, especially where layouts change during works.
Some shared worksites also involve visitors or customers.
In these cases, first aid planning should consider non-employees as part of overall arrangements. Further guidance is available in First Aid Provision for Visitors & the Public (UK).
Incidents on shared worksites should be recorded and reviewed.
This helps organisations:
Record keeping guidance is explained in Accident Reporting & First Aid Records (UK).
Clear agreements and communication reduce confusion and improve safety.
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