First aid kits help workplaces respond quickly to injuries, illness, and unexpected incidents.
Having the right supplies available means that your team is better equipped to provide immediate first aid when it's needed.
Understanding what belongs in a first aid kit and what the law requires can help employers stay prepared and meet their responsibilities.
From essential supplies to legal requirements, here's what you need to know about first aid kits.
First aid kits give your team access to essential supplies for providing treatment before professional medical help becomes available.
Quick access to basic supplies helps stabilise injuries and control minor incidents.
They also help teams:
A well-stocked first aid kit typically contains:
For low-risk workplaces, HSE guidance suggests supplies including:
Contents should reflect the risks identified during workplace assessments and the number of employees on site.
The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations require employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment for treating injuries.
Requirements vary depending on workplace size, location, and risk level.
Employers must ensure first aid arrangements reflect what is identified through their first aid needs assessment. HSE guidance confirms that kit contents should be based on this assessment.
First aid provision goes beyond keeping a stocked kit. Employers must appoint someone to take charge of first aid arrangements and ensure employees know what arrangements are in place.
Employers should assess their first aid needs and ensure suitable equipment, facilities, and personnel are available.
Clear communication and documented processes help maintain compliance and readiness.
First aid kits should be inspected regularly to ensure contents remain stocked, clean, and within expiry dates.
Used items must be replaced promptly, and damaged components should be removed.
Scheduled checks help maintain reliability and ensure kits remain ready for immediate use.
At SMI, we stock a wide range of first aid supplies, including:
Not sure what first aid supplies you need to keep your workplace safe?
Yes. Employers must provide appropriate first aid equipment under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations.
What you need will depend on your first aid needs assessment.
Typical contents include dressings, bandages, wipes, gloves, and basic tools.
Kits should reflect workplace-specific risks and the number of employees present.
Kits should be inspected regularly to ensure items are stocked, undamaged, and within expiry dates.
Checks should be documented and carried out according to workplace risk levels.
Employers should:
Written by Scott Arnot
Scott Arnot is Product Marketing Manager at SMI. Responsible for promoting SMI's extensive range of workplace products and services, he works closely with suppliers and internal teams to ensure customers can access the products, expertise, and support they need to overcome everyday workplace challenges.
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