Many organisations plan first aid provision around employees but overlook visitors, customers and members of the public. This can create gaps in safety planning and confusion about responsibilities.
In the UK, first aid duties are not limited to employees alone. Where people other than staff may be affected by activities or premises, they should be considered as part of first aid arrangements.
This guide explains how first aid provision applies to visitors, customers and the public, using UK legal principles, HSE guidance and practical examples.
UK first aid law sits within broader health and safety duties. Employers and those in control of premises must take reasonable steps to protect anyone who may be affected by their activities.
This includes:
There is no separate law for visitors. Instead, they are considered through risk assessment and duty of care. A legal overview is explained in UK First Aid Law Explained.
Risk assessments should not focus only on employees. They should also consider:
Visitors may be less aware of risks, signage or procedures, which can increase the likelihood of incidents.
For a structured approach, see Workplace First Aid Risk Assessment (UK).
Some environments involve regular interaction with the public. Common examples include:
In these settings, first aid provision should account for higher footfall and a wider range of possible incidents.
Clear access to first aid equipment, visible signage and staff awareness are particularly important. Sector-specific guidance is covered in Restaurant, Café & Takeaway First Aid Requirements and Salon & Beauty First Aid Requirements (UK).
Even workplaces that are not public-facing may still receive visitors.
This includes:
These individuals should be included in first aid planning, particularly where they may be exposed to workplace hazards.
Schools, events and community activities often involve a mix of staff, children, parents and members of the public.
First aid arrangements in these environments should consider:
Guidance for specific scenarios can be found in First Aid for School Trips and School First Aid Kits (UK).
Provision for visitors and the public does not mean separate kits or systems in every case.
However, it may require:
The level of provision should always be proportionate to risk.
When incidents involve visitors or customers, it is good practice to record what happened.
Records can help with:
For guidance on documentation, see Accident Reporting & First Aid Records (UK).
Clear planning helps organisations meet their duties and respond effectively when incidents occur.
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