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How to Stay Compliant with the HSE’s First Aid Guidelines in 2025
How to Stay Compliant with the HSE’s First Aid Guidelines in 2025
As we move into 2025, employers across the UK must ensure their first aid provision aligns with the latest HSE first aid guidelines. Failing to comply with legal requirements not only puts your staff at risk—it could lead to fines, liability, and reputational damage.
This guide will help you understand what’s changed, what’s required, and how to remain compliant with the first aid regulations UK.
What Are the Current HSE Requirements?
The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require all employers to provide “adequate and appropriate” first aid equipment, facilities, and trained personnel. But what’s considered ‘adequate’ depends on your specific workplace and must be determined through a First Aid Needs Assessment.
HSE does not prescribe exact numbers of first aiders or kits—your duty is to assess the risks and ensure suitable provision.
Key Areas of Compliance for 2025
To stay on the right side of the HSE in 2025, employers must pay attention to the following key areas:
1. First Aid Needs Assessment
Carry out a documented review of your workforce, operations, and environment. This includes:
- Nature of the work and associated risks
- Number of employees and shifts
- Workplace layout and remoteness from emergency services
- Previous accident records
2. Qualified First Aiders
You must provide suitable HSE-compliant first aid training. For most employers, this includes:
- First Aid at Work (FAW) – for higher-risk environments
- Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) – for lower-risk workplaces
Courses must be delivered by competent providers meeting HSE criteria.
3. Training Updates & Refreshers
All first aiders should undergo a full requalification every 3 years, with annual refresher training strongly recommended by the HSE to maintain skills and confidence.
4. First Aid Kits and Equipment
Your workplace should have accessible and appropriate BSI first aid kits (BS 8599-1), with contents based on your risk level. High-risk environments may also need trauma kits, burn dressings, or eye wash stations.
5. Record-Keeping and Incident Reporting
Keep logs of first aid treatments, training certificates, accident reports, and needs assessments. This documentation is essential for inspections and future reviews.
6. Remote, Lone or Shift Workers
Employers must ensure all workers have first aid coverage at all times, including during night shifts, remote tasks, or lone working arrangements. Consider portable first aid kits and lone worker safety systems.
New Considerations for 2025
- Mental health first aid is being encouraged more widely—while not yet mandatory, it’s increasingly part of a best-practice approach to workplace wellbeing.
- Catastrophic bleed training and trauma preparedness are gaining traction, especially in high-risk or public-facing environments.
- Post-pandemic adaptations remain important—cleaning protocols, PPE inclusion in first aid kits, and infection prevention are still relevant.
How ProTrainings Can Support Your Compliance
At ProTrainings Europe Ltd, we make staying compliant easy. Our HSE-aligned courses are available as:
- Video online – Train anytime, anywhere
- Blended learning – Online theory + classroom practical
- Face-to-face classroom training – Delivered nationwide
We also offer free resources including first aid needs assessment templates, compliance checklists, and printable certificates with QR validation and CPD statements.
Final Thoughts
Workplace safety is a legal and moral responsibility. By following the HSE first aid guidelines 2025, you can be confident that your business is compliant, your team is protected, and your first aiders are ready to respond.
Need help assessing your needs or booking training? Get in touch today.
