How to Conduct a Workplace First Aid Risk Assessment (UK Guide)

  • 5 min reading time

Every UK employer is legally required to provide adequate and appropriate first aid arrangements for employees. But what does “adequate” actually mean? A proper first aid risk assessment helps you decide what level of first aid cover your workplace needs — from the number of kits to trained personnel. This guide explains how to assess risks, meet legal requirements, and stay compliant with the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981.

Workplace First Aid Risk Assessment UK Guide

What Is a Workplace First Aid Risk Assessment?

A first aid risk assessment is a structured review of your workplace to determine:

  • ✔ The types of injuries or illnesses that could happen
  • ✔ The number and location of employees, contractors, and visitors
  • ✔ The type and quantity of first aid kits and equipment required
  • ✔ Whether you need trained first aiders or appointed persons

This process ensures your first aid provision matches your actual workplace risks — not a one-size-fits-all approach.

For reference, see our related guides: How Many First Aid Kits Does a Workplace Need?, BS 8599-1 vs BS 8599-2 Standards, and First Aid Kits vs Training.

Step-by-Step: How to Conduct a Workplace First Aid Risk Assessment

Step Action Key Considerations
1. Identify Hazards Walk through each work area and list potential causes of injury or illness — from machinery and vehicles to manual handling or slips. High-risk industries like construction or warehousing need more comprehensive provision.
2. Consider People at Risk Include employees, temporary workers, contractors, lone workers, and visitors. Remote or shift workers may need individual kits or trained colleagues nearby.
3. Evaluate Your Current Provision Review existing kits, signage, and trained personnel. Are they up to date and accessible? Check kit expiry dates, training certificates, and incident logs.
4. Decide What’s Required Use your findings to decide the number and size of kits, first aiders, and specific equipment (e.g. eye wash or burn dressings). Refer to BS 8599-1 standards for guidance on kit sizes.
5. Record and Communicate Document your assessment and share results with staff. Display first aider names and kit locations clearly. Ensure signage follows First Aid Signage Regulations.
6. Review Regularly Revisit your assessment annually or after significant workplace changes (new staff, equipment, or layout). Use our Refills Guide to maintain stock levels.

What to Include in Your Assessment

  • Type and severity of potential injuries (minor cuts vs fractures, burns, chemical exposure)
  • Workplace layout and distance between departments or floors
  • Number of staff and shift patterns
  • Accessibility for people with disabilities
  • Availability of emergency services or response time
  • Previous accident reports or near misses

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • ❌ Copying another company’s risk assessment without tailoring it
  • ❌ Forgetting lone or remote workers
  • ❌ Not updating after office moves or staff growth
  • ❌ Ignoring seasonal or outdoor work risks
  • ❌ Failing to communicate results to staff

Templates & Recordkeeping

You can create your own checklist using the steps above, or adapt one from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance. Always record:

  • Date and name of assessor
  • Identified risks and required first aid measures
  • Details of kits, signage, and trained staff
  • Review date and responsible person

When to Update Your First Aid Risk Assessment

Reassess whenever:

  • New equipment or machinery is introduced
  • Staff numbers or layout change
  • New risks (e.g. chemicals, fieldwork, off-site driving) appear
  • After an accident or near miss

Keep your assessment current, and link it directly to your overall health & safety management system. For large organisations, integrate it with ISO 45001 or ISO 13485 documentation for medical equipment traceability.

Workplace First Aid Risk Assessment — FAQ

Is a first aid risk assessment required by law?
Yes. Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, every employer must assess first aid needs to ensure “adequate and appropriate” provision.
How often should a first aid risk assessment be reviewed?
At least annually, or whenever there are significant changes such as new staff, equipment, or workplace layout.
Who should carry out the assessment?
A competent person such as a Health & Safety Officer, HR manager, or trained first aider with knowledge of workplace hazards.
Do small offices need a written assessment?
Yes, even low-risk environments like offices should complete a written record for compliance and insurance purposes.
How many first aiders are required?
That depends on your risk level and number of staff. Refer to our Workplace First Aid Kit Guide for recommended ratios.
Should contractors and visitors be included?
Yes — the assessment must consider everyone on site, including contractors, agency workers, and visitors.

 

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