UK First Aid Requirements by Environment

First aid requirements in the UK are not the same in every setting. What is suitable for a low-risk office may be inadequate for a construction site, a school trip or a public-facing venue.

This guide explains how first aid requirements vary by environment in the UK. It brings together legal principles, HSE guidance and practical considerations to help employers, organisers and responsible persons understand what level of provision is appropriate in different situations.

This is a reference guide designed to support planning, risk assessments and compliance decisions.

How first aid requirements are determined in the UK

UK first aid law is risk-based. There is no single checklist or universal kit that applies to every environment.

Instead, organisations must assess:

• The nature of the activities being carried out
• The level of risk present
• Who may be affected, including employees, visitors or the public
• The size and layout of the premises or environment

This approach applies across all environments, whether fixed workplaces, temporary locations or mobile settings. If you need a detailed explanation of the legal framework, see UK First Aid Law Explained.

Low-risk environments

Low-risk environments are places where activities are unlikely to cause serious injury. Examples include:

• Offices and administrative workplaces
• Small retail units
• Professional services

In these environments, first aid provision usually focuses on:

• Treating minor cuts, grazes and burns
• Managing minor illness or discomfort
• Providing basic first aid until help arrives if needed

Provision is still required, but it is typically modest. For guidance on how this applies to smaller organisations, see First Aid Requirements for Small Business (UK).

Medium-risk environments

Medium-risk environments involve activities where injuries are more likely or could be more serious. Examples include:

• Warehouses and light industrial settings
• Schools and childcare settings
• Hospitality venues such as restaurants and cafés

First aid arrangements in these environments often need to account for:

• Manual handling and slips or trips
• Use of equipment or machinery
• Public interaction and higher footfall

Provision may include a greater number of kits, additional training, or clearer signage and access arrangements. For sector-specific examples, see Restaurant, Café & Takeaway First Aid Requirements.

High-risk environments

High-risk environments involve activities with a higher likelihood of serious injury. Examples include:

• Construction sites
• Manufacturing and heavy industry
• Work involving hazardous substances or tools

In these settings, first aid provision must be robust and proportionate to the risks present. This often means:

• Multiple first aid kits located close to risk areas
• Trained first aiders available on site
• Regular inspection and review of equipment

A practical example is covered in Construction Site First Aid Kits (UK).

Public-facing environments

Some environments involve regular contact with members of the public, customers or visitors. These include:

• Retail premises
• Leisure and sports facilities
• Community venues and events

First aid provision should consider not only staff, but also non-employees who may be injured or taken ill on the premises. Clear access, visible signage and appropriate coverage are important in these settings.

Temporary and mobile environments

Not all environments are fixed workplaces. Temporary or mobile settings include:

• School trips and outings
• Events and community activities
• Vehicles used for work

In these cases, first aid provision must be portable and suitable for the duration and nature of the activity. Planning should consider distance from emergency services and the ability to summon help.

Examples include First Aid for School Trips and Car First Aid Kit Requirements (UK).

Comparing first aid needs by environment

Why risk assessment links environments together

Although environments differ, the underlying process is the same. A risk assessment determines:

• What injuries are likely
• Who may be affected
• What first aid provision is reasonable

This is why the same legal principles apply across offices, sites, vehicles and temporary locations. For a step-by-step explanation, see Workplace First Aid Risk Assessment (UK).

Common misunderstandings about environment-based first aid

• There is no single “approved” kit for all environments
• Low-risk does not mean no first aid provision
• Public-facing environments may require additional planning
• Temporary settings still require suitable first aid arrangements

Understanding these differences helps organisations plan proportionate and compliant first aid provision.

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