The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to ensure employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work and apply to all employers.

A First Aid Needs Assessment should be carried out to determine what First Aid Appointed Person(s) provision should be provided which may include special equipment in First Aid Kits; First Aid Training and having people trained as a First-Aider with training in First Aid and Mental Health if required; the appointment of First Aid Appointed Person(s) or the provision of a First Aid Room.

There is no requirement in the Regulations for first aid provision to be provided to non-employees like the general public but HSE recommends that they should be considered and provided for.

Self-employed people are required to have considered and provided for their own first aid provision which may include a first aid kit in a vehicle used for work. In a co-working space it may be a good idea to form an agreement with other workers and HSE recommends a written agreement is put in place.

There are special requirements for offshore work and diving.

[!Note] Guidance The HSE has published extensive guidance on these regulations which are available in this guide.