Legal Requirements & First Aid: What you need to know

Do employers have to provide first aid training?

It is not a legal requirement that all employers have a fully trained first aider, but someone must be appointed to take charge of first aid in the workplace. As, every employer in the UK, regardless of the size of the company, is legally obliged to plan for the provision of first aid at work. Employers must make sure that someone is always available to give or arrange first aid.

Can I give first aid without training?

Without specialist first aid training, it is not advised to perform first aid on anyone where there is the potential that you could make the injury or condition worse. For example, moving someone into the recovery position could make a neck or spinal injury worse. Choosing to do so is at an individuals discretion. 

Do first aiders get paid more?

In practice, most employers do not pay any extra, although some do give a nominal amount e.g., £100pa, to acknowledge their employee’s commitment. However, the volunteer must be paid at their normal rate whilst attending first aid training and any refresher courses.

Can you fail a first aid course in the UK?

Yes, you can fail a first aid course. At the end of the first aid course, you must complete a multiple-choice question paper. If you fail this, you will have one opportunity to retake. If failed a second time, you will be required to sit the course again.

Is it illegal to give someone paracetamol?

It isn’t illegal to give someone paracetamol in a workplace setting, but there are conditions to be followed. For example, it must be provided with the immediate and outer packaging intact as it came from the supplier. However, medicines do not form part of first aid and therefore should not be kept in the first aid kit.

Can my employer keep my first aid certificate?

Certificates for courses such as First Aid belong to you, even if your employer paid for them. If your employer won’t give them to you, you can contact the training provider to ask for a copy for a small fee.

Is it a legal requirement to have a first aid kit in a company vehicle?

It is a legal requirement to provide first aid kits in company vehicles, The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate first aid equipment, facilities, and personnel to ensure employees can be given immediate help if they are injured or taken ill at work.

Can an employee refuse to do first aid training?

An employee may try to refuse First Aid Training, but implied into many employment contracts is a term that an employee should follow lawful and reasonable instructions from their employer, including any training requirements.