Construction sites present higher risks than many workplaces. This guide explains when trained first aiders are required on site and how employers can meet first aid responsibilities.
Legal Requirements for Construction Sites
Yes — construction sites are legally required to have adequate first aid provision under the Health & Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981.
The regulations require every employer to carry out a first aid needs assessment and provide suitable equipment, facilities and trained personnel based on the findings.
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) also place duties on principal contractors to ensure adequate welfare provision, which includes first aid, on construction sites.
In practice, most construction sites require at least one FAW-qualified first aider, with larger or higher-risk sites requiring multiple first aiders.
First Aid Needs Assessment
Every employer must carry out a first aid needs assessment before determining provision. This assessment should consider the nature and size of the workforce, the hazards and risks on site, the number of employees and whether they work shifts, the proximity of emergency services, and the history of accidents on site.
The HSE provides detailed guidance on first aid needs assessments for construction, recognising that construction sites typically present higher risks than office or retail environments.
Factors such as working at height, use of powered plant and equipment, working in excavations, and working in confined spaces all increase the risk level and are likely to result in a requirement for FAW-trained first aiders.
What Training Is Appropriate for Construction Sites?
For most active construction sites, First Aid at Work (FAW) is the appropriate qualification. The three-day course covers the wider range of injuries and medical emergencies that are more likely to occur in a construction environment.
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) may be sufficient for very small, lower-risk sites or for specific site functions. However, the first aid needs assessment must support this decision.
Some contractors and clients specify that site first aiders must hold FAW as a minimum, regardless of site size. It is worth checking contractual requirements as well as the legal minimum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The Health & Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require all employers, including construction companies, to make adequate first aid provision. This must be based on a first aid needs assessment and typically requires trained first aiders, not just a first aid kit.
There is no fixed legal ratio, but the HSE provides guidance based on workforce size and risk level. As a general indication, low-risk workplaces may need one first aider per 50 employees, while higher-risk environments like construction sites typically require more. The first aid needs assessment is the starting point.
For most construction sites, First Aid at Work (FAW) is the appropriate minimum qualification. The three-day FAW course covers the broader range of injuries and conditions more likely to arise on site. The first aid needs assessment should confirm the appropriate qualification for your specific site.
Related NVQs & Pages
Ready to Enrol?
Get your NVQ qualification through workplace assessment — no exams, no classroom.
View First Aid Training CoursesPrefer to speak to someone?
0115 990 3229