First Aid Provision on Site

First aid provision means having trained personnel, equipment, and facilities available to treat injuries on the construction site.
The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 require every employer to provide adequate first aid for their workers.
A first aid needs assessment determines the number of first aiders, kits, and facilities required based on site risks.
Construction sites are classified as higher hazard workplaces requiring more first aiders per worker than low-risk environments.
First aid kits must contain the items specified by BS 8599-1 and be stocked at locations accessible to all work areas.
An automated external defibrillator should be available on larger sites — cardiac arrest has the highest survival rate with early use.
First aid rooms or designated treatment areas should be available on larger sites with running water and a treatment couch.
First aiders must be identifiable — their names and locations should be displayed on notice boards and in welfare areas.
Remote or spread-out sites may need multiple first aid stations to ensure treatment is accessible within a reasonable distance.
The first aid provision must be reviewed when the site size, workforce, or hazard profile changes during the project.

Immediate treatment	Construction injuries including cuts, burns, fractures, and electric shock need immediate first aid to prevent deterioration before hospital.
Legal requirement	The First Aid Regulations require provision proportionate to the hazard level — construction sites need more first aiders than offices.
Cardiac arrest	An AED used within 3 minutes of cardiac arrest gives a 70% survival rate — without it, survival drops to less than 10%.

Do

Don't

Complete a first aid needs assessment based on the site workforce, hazards, and layout.
Provide the number of trained first aiders required for the workforce and risk level.
Stock first aid kits to BS 8599-1 at accessible locations across all work areas.
Consider providing an AED on site and train first aiders in its use.
Display first aider names and locations on notice boards and in welfare areas.
Provide a first aid room with running water on larger construction sites.
Position first aid stations so all workers can access treatment within reasonable distance.
Review the first aid provision when the workforce size or hazard profile changes.
Ensure first aiders maintain current certificates with annual refresher training.
Include first aid arrangements in the site induction so every worker knows the provision.

DON'T operate a site without completing the first aid needs assessment.
DON'T provide fewer first aiders than the assessment requires for the workforce and risk.
DON'T let first aid kits run empty or contain expired items — check and restock them.
DON'T dismiss the value of an AED — it dramatically improves cardiac arrest survival.
DON'T keep first aider identities hidden — everyone must know who and where they are.
DON'T locate all first aid in one place if the site is large and spread out.
DON'T accept gaps in first aid cover during shift changes or when first aiders are absent.
DON'T continue with the same provision when the site grows or hazards change.
DON'T allow first aid certificates to lapse — arrange renewals before expiry.
DON'T skip first aid in the induction — workers must know where help is from day one.

See also: First Aid Response and Triage | Emergency Plan Awareness

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