First Aid Policy Writers

What are First Aid Policies?

First aid policies set out how an organisation ensures prompt and appropriate treatment for employees, visitors or contractors who become unwell or injured at work.

These policies help employers meet their legal duties under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 by providing the right equipment, facilities and trained personnel in the event of an incident.

What Do First Aid Policies Cover?

A first aid policy typically includes:

• The number and location of appointed first aiders and emergency first aiders

• Availability and contents of first aid kits

• Procedures for calling emergency services and recording incidents

• Training and refresher requirements for first aid personnel

• Provisions for lone workers, remote sites or shift-based teams

• Display of signage and information for staff awareness

• Links to health and safety, accident reporting and emergency procedures

A clear policy ensures that staff know what to do in the event of an injury or medical emergency, and that help is available quickly and efficiently.

It also demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to safety and employee wellbeing, reducing the severity of injuries and supporting a safer workplace culture.

First aid provision must reflect the nature of the work carried out, the size and layout of the premises, and any specific risks identified during risk assessments.

By planning and maintaining adequate first aid arrangements, businesses can fulfil their obligations, build confidence among staff and respond effectively when incidents occur.

Legal Basis

The duty is the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 as amended in 2013, supported by HSE's L74 Approved Code of Practice. Employers must provide adequate and appropriate first-aid equipment, facilities and personnel based on a needs assessment.

Mental Health First Aid is not statutorily required but is increasingly expected by HSE, ISO 45003 and most insurance providers. Public sector tenders also score it under social value Theme 5 (Wellbeing).

Common Compliance Pitfalls

• Generic first-aid provision instead of a documented needs assessment.
• First aiders trained but no rota for absence cover.
• Mental Health First Aiders absent or unsupported.
• RIDDOR-reportable injuries handled by first aiders without escalation to the responsible person.
• No defibrillator (AED) where the workplace size or location warrants one.

What Policy Pros Delivers

Our First Aid Policy package includes the main policy, a needs assessment template, a rota and competence matrix, an AED suitability assessment, a Mental Health First Aiders framework, an incident reporting procedure with RIDDOR escalation, and a kit inventory schedule.