Introduction
Ensuring first aid compliance in the workplace is not just a legal requirement but a crucial part of workplace safety. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 299/2007) set out the legal duties for first aid training, workplace first aid kits, and first aid rooms.
Providing proper first aid arrangements can help reduce workplace injuries, ensure employees receive immediate medical assistance, and prevent minor injuries from becoming major ones.
But what exactly are the first aid requirements in Ireland? How many first aiders does a business need? What training is HSA-approved? This guide explains everything employers need to know to meet workplace first aid compliance and maintain a safe and legally compliant work environment.
1. Legal First Aid Requirements in Ireland
The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 states that all employers must:
- ✅ Provide adequate first aid equipment and facilities.
- ✅ Ensure trained first aiders are available during working hours.
- ✅ Carry out a first aid risk assessment to determine the level of first aid provision required.
- ✅ Inform employees about first aid arrangements, including who the designated first aiders are and where first aid supplies are located.
Employers must review their first aid policies regularly to ensure they comply with HSA guidelines and address any changes in the workplace, such as increased staff numbers or new hazards.
Failure to meet first aid compliance in Ireland can lead to penalties from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), workplace injuries, and potential liability issues for employers.
2. How Many First Aiders Does a Workplace Need?
The number of first aiders required depends on several factors:
📌 Workplace size and number of employees. 📌 Workplace risk level (low, medium, or high hazard). 📌 Proximity to medical services and emergency response times.
Recommended Number of Occupational First-Aiders
| Type of Workplace | Number of Employees | Minimum First-Aid Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Low-Risk Workplaces (e.g., offices, retail) | 1-99 | 1 first aider (if risk assessment deems necessary) |
| 100-399 | 1 first aider | |
| 400-699 | 2 first aiders | |
| 700+ | 1 extra first aider per 300 employees | |
| High-Risk Workplaces (e.g., construction, factories, manufacturing) | 1-49 | 1 first aider (if risk assessment deems necessary) |
| 50-149 | 1 first aider | |
| 150-299 | 2 first aiders | |
| 300+ | 1 extra first aider per 150 employees | |
| Underground Mines | 1 per 10 employees |
💡 Key Considerations:
- In low-risk environments, an employer may not be legally required to have a full-time first aider, but it is recommended to have at least one appointed person responsible for first aid arrangements.
- High-risk workplaces, such as factories, warehouses, and construction sites, require trained first aiders available at all times due to the increased likelihood of injuries.
- Workplaces that operate shifts or have remote workers should ensure there is always a trained first aider present during working hours.
3. What First Aid Training is Required in Ireland?
The HSA-approved First Aid Response (FAR) course is the minimum legal standard for workplace first aiders.
First Aid Response (FAR) Training
- Recognised by the HSA & PHECC.
- 3-day (18-hour) course.
- Valid for 2 years.
- Covers: CPR, AED use, wound care, burns, fractures, medical emergencies, and emergency response planning.
First Aid Recertification Training
- A 2-day (12-hour) course required every 2 years to maintain certification.
- Must be conducted by a PHECC-approved training provider.
- Ensures that first aiders stay updated on best practices and maintain practical skills.
💡 Employers must keep records of first aid certification and ensure refresher training is completed on time. It is best practice to schedule refresher courses in advance to avoid gaps in coverage.
4. What Should Be in a Workplace First Aid Kit?
The HSA outlines the required contents of a workplace first aid kit.
Recommended First Aid Kit Contents
| First Aid Item | 1-10 Employees | 11-25 Employees | 26-50 Employees |
| Sterile plasters | 20 | 20 | 40 |
| Sterile eye pads | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Triangular bandages | 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Wound dressings (Medium) | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| Wound dressings (Large) | 1 | 6 | 8 |
| Wound dressings (Extra Large) | 1 | 3 | 4 |
| Disinfectant wipes | 10 | 20 | 40 |
| Disposable gloves | 3 | 10 | 10 |
| Sterile water (if no running water available) | 2x20ml | 2x500ml | 2x500ml |
| CPR pocket mask | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Foil blanket | 1 | 1 | 1 |
💡 Tip: First aid kits should be checked regularly, and expired items must be replaced. Employers should also ensure first aid kits are accessible to employees at all times.
How PSTC Can Help Your Business Stay Compliant
At Philip & Son Training Consultants (PSTC), we offer:
- ✅ HSA-Approved First Aid Response (FAR) Training.
- ✅ Workplace CPR & AED Training.
- ✅ First Aid Kit Sales & Compliance Checks.
- ✅ On-Site & Group Training Options.
🚀 Ensure workplace first aid compliance today! 📞 Call: 045 899858
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Visit: www.philip-son.com
Final Thoughts
Ensuring first aid compliance in the workplace is essential for protecting employees, reducing workplace injuries, and meeting legal obligations.
By investing in proper first aid training, equipment, and risk assessments, employers can create a safer work environment and be fully prepared for medical emergencies.
Have questions about first aid requirements in Ireland? Contact PSTC today! 🚀