Warehouses, distribution centres and logistics operations face unique safety risks: manual handling injuries, slips and trips, pallet truck accidents, moving vehicles, cuts, and burns. Because of this, UK law requires employers to provide adequate and appropriate first aid for all staff, including shift workers, pickers, forklift operators, drivers and visitors.
This guide explains the first aid requirements for warehouses and logistics businesses under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, what equipment you need, and how to stay compliant with HSE expectations.
For additional workplace compliance guidance, see our Workplace First Aid Policy Guide and First Aid Risk Assessment Guide.
Yes. All warehouse and logistics environments must provide first aid equipment, information and personnel suitable for the risks on site. Because warehouses are usually medium or higher-risk workplaces, they generally require more than the minimum provision recommended for offices or retail environments.
| Hazard Type | Examples | Impact on First Aid Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Manual Handling | Lifting, carrying, loading pallets. | Need for bandages, cold packs, large dressings. |
| Moving Vehicles | Forklifts, pallet trucks, trolleys, vans. | First aid kits must be easily accessible; consider trauma items depending on risk assessment. |
| Cuts & Abrasions | Box cutters, packaging tools, sharp edges. | Assorted plasters, sterile dressings, eye wash. |
| Burns | Heat sealers, hot shrink-wrap equipment. | Burn gel or burn dressings. |
| Slips & Trips | Spills, wet surfaces, uneven loading bays. | Dressings, bandages, foil blanket. |
| Chemical Exposure | Cleaning chemicals, battery leaks. | Eye wash pods, gloves. |
| Lone Working | Night shifts, remote pick locations. | Compact kits, clear emergency procedures, communication systems. |
Most warehouses require medium or large BS 8599-1 workplace first aid kits, depending on staff numbers and risk level. You can view full kit size guidance in our First Aid Kit Sizes Guide.
Explore our full range of workplace and industrial first aid kits.
Some warehouse environments may require additional safety equipment, depending on the outcome of the first aid needs assessment. Examples may include:
These items are included only as general examples. Employers should determine all requirements through their risk assessment.
Some higher-risk warehouses choose to keep additional trauma-focused supplies (non-clinical) if their risk assessment identifies hazards such as heavy loads, vehicle movements or large equipment. These may include:
This does not replace emergency services. It simply ensures staff have appropriate, immediate supplies available while waiting for professional help.
Some large or higher-risk logistics sites may require a first aid room. See our First Aid Room Requirements Guide for full details.
Because these areas involve moving vehicles, uneven ground and heavier loads, first aid kits should be:
Display mandatory signage as explained in our Signage Guide.
If your warehouse operation uses vans, lorries or delivery staff, they may require a BS 8599-2 Vehicle First Aid Kit.
For full guidance, see our Lone Worker Guide.
Most warehouses should have at least one Emergency First Aider at Work (EFAW) available at all times. Larger warehouses or those operating multiple shifts may need more.
Learn more in our Appointed First Aiders Guide and First Aid Kit vs Training Guide.
Accident books are essential for warehouse environments. They help identify patterns such as recurring manual handling injuries or loading bay slips.
See our Accident Reporting Guide for a compliant recording process.
Kits should be checked:
Expired items must be replaced promptly — see our Expired Items Guide.
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