Ask a Health & Safety Expert: Your First Aid Questions Answered

Ask a Health & Safety Expert_ Your First Aid Questions Answered

Basics and Definitions

What is First Aid at Work?

What is the role of a First Aider?

(Clarify their responsibilities during an emergency)

Can a First Aider be held legally liable for an error?

(Allay peoples’ fears about doing it wrong)

Legal Responsibilities and Compliance

What are the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981?

(Link to the regulations directly using a new tab)

How many First Aiders does my business legally need?

Is it mandatory to provide first aid for non-employees, such as customers or visitors?

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Do I need a First Aid room in my workplace?

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What are the recording and reporting requirements for workplace injuries?

(Link to the RIDDOR article)

First Aid Needs Assessments

What is a First Aid Needs Assessment?

What factors should I consider when assessing my workplace risks?

(e.g., remote workers, shift patterns, hazards, etc)

How often should a First Aid Needs Assessment be reviewed?

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Equipment and Maintenance

What should be in a standard workplace first aid kit?

(Remember to also highlight what shouldn’t be in there, such as medicines and tablets. Link to the first aid kit article)

How often should first aid kits be checked and restocked?

Do all businesses need an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)?

Where should first aid kits and equipment be located within a building?

Training and Certification

What is the difference between FAW (First Aid at Work) and EFAW (Emergency First Aid at Work)?

(Link to the FAW and EFAW courses)

How long does a First Aid certificate last?

Is online-only first aid training sufficient for legal compliance?

(Does HSE require a practical element?)

If your organisation needs to ensure compliance or train designated staff, please visit our First Aid at Work Courses to learn more.

Paula Coster

BA (Hons), MSc.
Associate Member CIEHF

Last Updated: April 24th, 2026

Categories: First Aid

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