What Should Be in a Workplace First Aid Kit? A Complete Guide for Employers

Every workplace needs a well-stocked, clearly labelled first aid kit. It’s not just about ticking a box for health and safety compliance — it’s about protecting your employees and being prepared for anything.

Whether you manage an office, warehouse, shop, or construction site, your first aid kit should be tailored to your work environment.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what your kit should include, where to store it, how often to check it, and how to stay compliant with UK health and safety laws.

Why Is a Workplace First Aid Kit So Important?

Accidents happen — even in low-risk workplaces.

From paper cuts to serious injuries, having the right tools on hand can make a major difference in how quickly and safely an incident is handled.

A first aid kit:

  • Helps treat injuries immediately

  • Can reduce the severity of injuries

  • Prevents infection or complications

  • Gives peace of mind to staff and visitors

  • Supports legal compliance under UK law

By investing in a quality kit and keeping it up to date, you’re showing that you care about your team’s safety.

What Are the Legal Requirements?

Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, all UK employers must provide:

  • Adequate first aid equipment

  • Trained personnel

  • Clear information for employees

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) doesn’t specify an exact list of contents.
Why? Because every workplace is different.
You’re required to perform a risk assessment to decide what’s appropriate for your business.

For example:

  • A low-risk office might only need a basic kit

  • A construction site needs more robust supplies and trained first aiders

What Should Be in a First Aid Kit?

Here’s a list of commonly recommended items for a general workplace kit.
Your risk assessment might mean you need more — or less — but this is a good place to start.

  • Sterile plasters in various sizes

  • Eye pads (sterile)

  • Triangular bandages

  • Safety pins

  • Sterile wound dressings

  • Disposable gloves

  • Alcohol-free cleansing wipes

  • Adhesive tape

  • Scissors

  • Digital thermometer

  • Burn dressings

  • Foil blankets

  • Finger dressings

  • Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation device

  • Eye wash solution (if no eye wash station is nearby)

  • First aid guidance leaflet

Don’t forget to include items suited to your specific risks — like heavy machinery, chemicals, or outdoor work.

Where Should You Store the First Aid Kit?

Your kit must be:

  • Clearly labelled (usually with a white cross on a green background)

  • Easily accessible to all staff

  • Located near high-risk areas like kitchens, workshops, or machinery

Avoid storing kits in locked cabinets unless everyone knows where the key is in an emergency.
Also, consider placing multiple kits around large sites.

How Often Should You Check the Kit?

A nominated person should be responsible for:

  • Checking supplies regularly

  • Replacing used or expired items

  • Making sure kits are in the right place

We recommend reviewing the kit contents at least once every 3 months — or after any workplace incident.
Keep a small inventory sheet in each kit to track what’s been used.

Do Different Industries Need Different Kits?

Yes — what works for an office isn’t enough for a construction site or a warehouse.

Here are some examples:

Offices:

  • Standard kit

  • Additional eye care for screen users

Warehouses:

  • Burn treatments

  • Finger dressings

  • Larger bandages for machinery-related injuries

Construction sites:

  • Heavy-duty bandages

  • Tourniquets

  • Resuscitation devices

Remote workers or lone workers:

  • Personal first aid packs

  • Communication plans for emergencies

Tailoring your kit to your environment is part of staying compliant.

Keep Your Workplace Safe with Executive First Aid

At Executive First Aid, we don’t just sell kits — we help you build a full safety solution.

Our services include:

  • First aid risk assessments

  • HSE-compliant first aid kits

  • Onsite training tailored to your industry

  • Refresher courses for existing first aiders

We support workplaces across the UK with expert guidance, certified training, and ongoing support.

Need help building the right kit?
Email info@executivefirstaid.co.uk — or give us a call.

What Should Be in a Workplace First Aid Kit? A Complete Guide for Employers

What should be in your first aid kit
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