By Hans Stacey January 09 2018
Under: Site Set Up / Team Welfare

How Many First Aid Kits Do You Need in The Workplace?

How to assess your workplace size, layout and risk level to determine first aid kit numbers and requirements.

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The number of First Aid Kits your workplace needs depends on several factors. It’s best to consider these factors using a first aid risk assessment carried out by a competent person on your team. Key considerations will include: risk level, number of employees and workplace layout.

Once assessed you can choose an appropriate number of small, medium or large first aid kits to suit your workplace.

Risk Level

High risk environments such as construction sites, industrial premises or warehouses require more first aid kits per person, as risk of injury is higher. High risk settings include any premises where workplace hazards, such as chemicals, heavy machinery or sharp objects pose a threat to workers.

In contrast, low risk environments such as offices have less hazards and do not require as many kits per person.

Number of Employees and Layout

The more team members you have on site, the more equipment you’re going need. However, you should also consider the layout of your premises in conjunction with staff numbers.

Your team should always be in quick and easy access of a first aid kit. If your premises cover a particularly large area, you may need additional kits. In a multi-storey business, each floor should have its own first aid kit, even if there aren’t many workers spread across floors.

In outdoor settings a Grab Bag can be a useful addition to make it easy to take first aid equipment to an incident.

Additional Considerations:

-          Food Hygiene: Environments involving food production and handling should use a BS 8599-1 Catering Compliant Kit.

-          Specific Hazards: Workplaces with specific hazards may need to supply additional equipment such as and Burns First Aid, Bio Hazard Kit or Sharps Kit in addition to standard first aid supplies.

The table below provides general guidelines to the number of kits you need. Use this to assist your decision making alongside your first aid risk assessment.

Don’t Forget:

• First Aid Kits are not sufficient to deal with life-threatening emergencies. Call 999 and contact your designated first aider to attend to the casualty until emergency crew arrive. 
• Position your First Aid Kits in a location which is clearly visible and easily accessible.
• Highlight the position of your first aid kits using a First Aid Kit Sign nearby.
• Order re-fill packs to restock your kit when equipment is depleted.
• Keep up to date with first aid training and ensure you have enough fully-trained first aiders.
• Only buy first aid kits from reputable sources. All our kits comply with the British Standard BS 8599-1, ensuring the kit contains suitable equipment that is safe and hygienic to use.
• In addition to first aid kits, invest in a workplace defibrillator to give your team a fighting chance against Sudden Cardiac Arrest.
• Give your team Emergency Medical ID Tags (EMITAGS) so their key medical info can be accessed immediately in an emergency.

Shop online or talk to one of our safety champions today to discuss your First Aid Kit requirements on: 0333 003 5710

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