First Aid for Construction Sites UK
The HSE requires every construction site to have first aid cover in place.
Discover HSE compliant first aid courses built for construction teams.
Find out more about the CITB funding
Construction is one of the UK's highest risk industries. Falls, machinery, electrical incidents and embedded objects can turn a routine day into an emergency in seconds.
Under the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, every construction site must have first aid cover in place (Health and Safety Executive).
That means a stocked first aid box, an appointed person, and on most sites, trained first aiders.
Safe Haven Training delivers accredited EFAW and FAW courses that meet HSE requirements.
What the HSE Requires on Every Construction Site
The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 set out the baseline for every site (Health and Safety Executive). Every construction site must have:
- A first aid box stocked for the size of the workforce
- An appointed person to take charge of first aid arrangements
- Information telling workers where to find first aid help
A notice in the site hut usually covers the third point. Clear, visible and easy to read.
How Many First Aiders Does a Construction Site Need?
Construction is classed as higher risk work. The thresholds are lower than for office based roles.
| Number of workers on site | Minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| Fewer than 5 | At least one appointed person |
| 5 to 50 | At least one first aider trained in EFAW or FAW |
| More than 50 | At least one FAW trained first aider per 50 workers |
(Health and Safety Executive)
These are minimums. Shift work, multi site projects and specific hazards can push the number higher. Your first aid needs assessment sets the real figure.
EFAW or FAW? Which First Aid Course Does Your Team Need?
Both meet HSE requirements. The choice comes down to the site.
- Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) - 1 day. Immediate response to common injuries and illnesses. Suits smaller sites and lower risk roles.
- First Aid at Work (FAW) - 3 days. Covers everything in EFAW plus serious injuries, fractures, burns, seizures, heart attacks, strokes and extended casualty care. The standard for larger sites, supervisors and principal contractors.
Can First Aid Training Be Delivered at Your Site?
Yes. We deliver onsite EFAW and FAW courses at construction sites, offices and yards across the UK.
Onsite training:
- Fits around site hours and shift patterns
- Cuts travel time and lost days
- Lets your team train together
- Covers site specific scenarios
References
1. HSE: First aid Construction FAQ
First Aid Courses for Construction
Depending on your site and workforce, you may need EFAW, FAW or both.
Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work (1 Day)
Ideal for a low risk workplace or anybody who is looking to increase their understanding of First Aid.
- From: £110.00 Per Person
- Course Length: 1 Day
Level 3 First Aid at Work (3 Days)
Become a certified workplace first aider with our 3-day First Aid at Work course, ideal for higher-risk industries.
- From: £220.00 Per Person
- Course Length: 3 Days
Choosing the Right First Aid Course for Your Business
Every industry has specific first aid requirements based on risk level, staff numbers and governing body regulations. What is suitable for a low risk office environment may not meet the needs of a construction site, dental practice or nursery setting.
At Safe Haven Training, we deliver fully accredited first aid courses tailored to your sector, whether you operate in construction, healthcare, education, dentistry or childcare. Our training ensures your organisation meets legal requirements while preparing your team for real world emergencies.
