HSE First Aid Kits

Choosing the Right HSE Statutory First Aid Kit

Kit Sizes by Workforce Headcount

• 1 to 10 Person Kit: Minimum statutory provision for small workplaces. Suitable for offices, small retail premises, and low-risk environments with fewer than 10 employees. HSE recommended minimum for the smallest workforce category.
• 11 to 20 Person Kit: Increased provision for medium-sized workforces. Contains higher quantities of dressings, plasters, and wipes to serve additional employees. Recommended where workforce exceeds 10 but remains below 20.
• 21 to 50 Person Kit: Full statutory provision for larger workplaces. Maximum quantities under the standard HSE recommended contents list. Multiple kits may be required for dispersed sites or multi-floor buildings.

Regulatory Framework

The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 place a statutory duty on employers to provide adequate first aid equipment. HSE guidance recommends specific minimum contents based on workforce headcount, with kit sizes scaled from single-person through to 50+ employees. These kits meet the HSE recommended minimum and provide a defensible compliance position during workplace inspections. For workplaces requiring enhanced provision beyond the HSE minimum, consider the BS 8599-1:2019 range which provides a more complete specification.

Frequently Asked Questions