Restaurants, cafés, pubs, takeaways and other food businesses must follow clear UK rules for first aid. Hot kitchens, sharp tools, cleaning chemicals and fast-paced environments mean accidents can happen quickly. Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, every employer must provide adequate and appropriate first aid based on their specific risks.
This guide explains what food businesses are legally required to provide, what type of first aid kit you need, and how to stay compliant with HSE expectations.
For general workplace compliance, see our Workplace First Aid Policy Guide and Risk Assessment Guide.
Yes. Every food business-no matter how small-must provide suitable first aid equipment and a person responsible for managing first aid arrangements. The level of provision depends on your risks, not your size.
Food businesses typically require more than a standard low-risk workplace kit because kitchens involve heat, knives, liquids, and fast service environments.
| Business Type | Main Risks | Recommended First Aid Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Kitchens | Burns, scalds, cuts, slips, cleaning chemicals. | Medium BS 8599-1 kit, burn dressings, blue catering plasters. |
| Cafés & Coffee Shops | Hot liquids, minor cuts, slips on spills. | Small/medium BS 8599-1 kit, burn gel. |
| Takeaways | Hot oil, knives, delivery work, slips. | Medium kit + vehicle kit for delivery drivers. |
| Food Vans / Mobile Catering | Hot surfaces, mobility hazards, remote work. | Compact kit, burn gel, vehicle kit. |
| Pubs & Bars | Glass cuts, slips, burns in kitchens. | Small/medium kit, bandages, blue plasters. |
Every food business should have a well-stocked workplace kit. You can view detailed kit sizes in our First Aid Kit Sizes UK Guide.
Typical recommended contents include:
Browse our full range of first aid kits suitable for restaurants, cafés and mobile food businesses.
Most kitchens are considered medium-risk environments. This means restaurants and takeaways often need at least one Emergency First Aider at Work (EFAW) on shift, especially during busy periods.
Low-risk areas (front of house, small cafés) may only require an appointed person, but training is strongly recommended.
If your business has delivery drivers or staff working away from the premises, you must provide them with suitable first aid resources.
See our:
See our First Aid Signage Guide for placement rules.
All incidents—cuts, burns, slips, allergic reactions—must be recorded. This helps reduce risk and provides evidence during inspections.
Use our Accident Reporting Guide for a simple, compliant system.
Food businesses should check first aid supplies:
Expired items must be replaced promptly. See our Expired Items Disposal Guide.
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