In the high-risk world of construction, safety takes precedence above all else. With an array of physical hazards, ranging from slips and falls to the potential of falling debris, the need for comprehensive first aid arrangements is paramount. 

There are first aid requirements that every construction site must meet, which we will explore here, along with the benefits of having more qualified first aiders on site. Meeting these requirements not only safeguards the well-being of workers but also ensures that rapid and effective medical attention is available in the event of an accident.

Mandatory First Aid Equipment and Personnel

Construction sites are required to adhere to specific first aid criteria to address potential emergencies. 

The Health Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 require all construction sites to have:

• a first aid box with enough equipment to cope with the number of workers on site.
• an appointed person to take charge of first aid arrangements (this appointed individual acts as a central point of contact for medical concerns and coordinates the response to accidents).
• information telling workers the name of the appointed person or first aider and where to find them (A notice in the site hut is a good way of doing this).

Scale of First Aid Personnel

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) sets forth guidelines that factor in the size of the construction site’s workforce:

For sites with fewer than five individuals, the HSE requires the presence of at least one appointed person who can effectively manage initial medical responses. This individual should possess adequate knowledge to administer basic first aid procedures. 

For sites with between 5 to 50 workers, the requirements escalate to encompass the presence of at least one first aider who has undergone training in either Emergency First Aid or First Aid at Work, depending on the type of injuries that be encountered on the construction site. The more advanced training equips the first aider to handle a wider range of medical situations.

For sites with more than 50 workers, there needs to be at least one individual with valid First Aid at Work training for every 50 employees, meaning that even sites with 51 workers will require at least 2 qualified first aiders.

A First Aid at Work qualification only lasts for 3 years, but anyone with a current FAW qualification can take a 2-day refresher course that will allow them to renew their qualification for another 3 years upon completion.

The Significance of First Aid on Construction Sites

The importance of adhering to these first aid requirements in a construction environment cannot be overstated. Construction sites inherently harbour a higher degree of physical risks compared to conventional workplaces. 

The terrain of a construction site is characterised by potential hazards like slips, falls from heights, the danger of falling debris, and the challenges of lifting and handling heavy loads and equipment. In the face of these inherent dangers, swift and effective medical response can be the difference between a minor incident and a potentially life-altering injury.

A robust first aid setup serves as a safety net, minimising the impact of accidents and injuries. Rapid intervention can prevent minor injuries from escalating into more severe conditions and significantly reduces the risk of complications. Moreover, a well-trained first aider can provide immediate stabilisation before professional medical help arrives, enhancing the injured individual’s chances of a speedy recovery.

Construction businesses and site managers should not simply look to meet the minimum requirements for first aid, but look at the benefits of first aid training and think of it as an investment in employee health and wellbeing and site efficiency.

 

In conclusion, the first aid requirements on a construction site are indispensable for maintaining the health and well-being of the workforce. These provisions, including appropriately stocked first aid kits and trained personnel, serve as a vital line of defence against the diverse range of hazards prevalent in the construction industry. 

By ensuring compliance with these requirements, construction sites can mitigate risks, enhance safety standards, and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the welfare of their workers.

You can learn more about our first aid courses for construction workers here, or contact us to discuss your needs or book a course.