The Top 8 Things to Keep in your First Aid Kit in 2025

 

Introduction

We often get asked, ‘What should be in my First Aid box?’ The short answer is, it depends!

It depends on the outcome of your first aid risk assessment. You can get up to date information on undertaking a first aid risk assessment here 

Common sense says that it’s important to have a well-stocked first aid kit so you can deal with minor incidents and accidents.  It should be kept out of the reach of children and stored in a cool and dry place.  It is important to regularly check the expiry dates of the items in your first aid kit, especially sterile items such as bandages, sterile eye pads and plasters and to replace with new ones.    Also, if you use an item from the first aid kit, ensure it is swiftly replaced.

Whether you're working in a busy construction site, a quiet office, or a bustling kitchen, having a well-stocked first aid kit at work isn’t just a good idea, it’s a legal requirement. Accidents and injuries can happen at any time, and when they do, a properly equipped first aid kit can make all the difference in responding quickly and effectively.

But what exactly should go into a workplace first aid kit? The contents can vary depending on the nature of your work environment, the number of employees, and specific health and safety risks. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials that every workplace first aid kit should contain, plus additional items you may need based on your setting. Whether you’re updating an existing kit or starting from scratch, this checklist will help you stay compliant, prepared, and protected.

 

First Aid Kit Legal Requirements 

Employers have a legal duty to ensure that adequate first aid provisions are in place at work. This includes not only having appropriate equipment and facilities but also ensuring that trained individuals are available to administer first aid when needed.

The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981

In the UK, workplace first aid is governed by the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981. These regulations require all employers to:

• Carry out a first aid needs assessment
• Provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities, and personnel
• Ensure employees are informed of first aid arrangements

Your first aid needs assessment should identify whether you require appointed persons to manage first aid arrangements and contact emergency services, or fully trained first aiders to provide immediate care — with the number and level of training required depending on factors such as the type of work carried out, the number of employees, specific workplace hazards, and any history of previous incidents.

 

Contents of a First Aid Kit:

As a guide, where work activities involve low-level hazards (work environments in this category include offices, libraries shops etc) a minimum stock (for a small workplace with less than 25 staff) of first aid items would be:

1. 1 leaflet giving general guidance on first aid – there is a free one here.
2. 2 sterile eye pads
3. 2 large, individually wrapped, sterile, unmedicated wound dressings
4. at least 3 pairs of disposable gloves (more info here)
5. 4 individually wrapped triangular bandages, preferably sterile
6. 6 safety pins
7. 6 medium-sized, individually wrapped, sterile, unmedicated wound dressings
8. 20 individually wrapped sterile plasters (of assorted sizes), appropriate to the type of work (you can provide hypoallergenic plasters if necessary)

 

Additional items to consider for a first aid kit:

9. 1 pack of sterile wet wipes
10. 1 roll of microporous tape
11. 1 face shield
12. 1 foil blanket
13. 1 burn dressing
14. 1 pair of clothing shears
15. 2 finger dressings

These extra items may be kept in the first-aid kit if there is room, or stored separately.  You may also wish to consider a first aid kit suitable for travelling and also one for your car.

If your workplace is engineering, processing, warehousing, construction or manufacturing, it may be categorised as a high-risk workplace and the requirements will be different.  The things that are not recommended to be included in a first aid box are any kind of medication or tablets. If you help, reach out to one of our first aid training experts and we can advise what specifically to have in your first aid box depending on your workplace and sector you operate.

 

Choosing the Right Size Kit for Your Workplace

Not all workplaces require the same type or size of first aid kit. The contents and quantity of supplies should reflect both the number of employees and the level of risk in the working environment.

According to BS 8599-1:2019, there are three standard sizes of workplace first aid kits:

• Small - suitable for low risk workplaces such as offices and retail settings. For less than 25 employees.
• Medium - suitable for low risk environments with 25-100 employees, also suitable for higher risk workplaces with less than 25 employees.
• Large - recommended for high risk environments, including construction sites, manufacturing and warehouses.

All employers are legally required to carry out a first aid needs assessment to determine the appropriate size and number of first aid kits, whether additional items are needed for specific risks or hazards, and if trained first aiders are necessary. This assessment should be reviewed regularly, especially if your workforce grows or the nature of your work changes. 

 

Tips for Managing and Using the First Aid Kit

Having the right items in your first aid kit is only part of the equation — effective management is essential to ensure the kit is ready to use in an emergency. A poorly maintained or inaccessible kit can delay treatment and increase risk.

• Keep the Kit Easily Accessible - Make sure your first aid kit is stored in a visible, clearly labelled, and easily accessible location. In larger workplaces or multi-floor buildings, consider having multiple kits strategically placed.
• Include an Accident Report Book - Keeping an accident book near the first aid kit allows you to log incidents accurately. This not only helps track patterns of injury but also supports your legal obligations under health and safety regulations.
• Review After Any Incident - After the kit has been used, review the incident. Check whether the kit had everything needed, and update it accordingly. This is a great opportunity to identify any gaps and improve future response.
• Provide Basic First Aid Training- Even with a fully stocked kit, it's essential that staff know how to use its contents correctly. Quick, confident action in the moments after an incident can prevent further harm and even save lives.

We deliver First Aid at Work training that equips your team with the knowledge and practical skills to respond effectively. Our courses are compliant with current regulations, tailored to your industry, and available in both on-site and blended formats.

 

As well as providing first aid, food safety and health and safety training, First Response (First Aid) Ltd also supply businesses and individuals throughout the UK with first aid supplies for the workplace, travel and home.

If you would like some advice on what you need for your workplace First Aid kit please get in touch with us.  You can download a First Aid Supplies brochure from our website here ot to book a first aid course near you, have a look on our website.

 

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