Why first aid should be a top priority on your construction site

Posted 2 years ago

Construction sites are among the most hazardous workplaces, with workers facing risks from heavy machinery, heights, and hazardous materials daily. In such an environment, accidents are almost inevitable.

So, how can you keep your site safe? An effective first-aid system is a great place to start. By providing a quick and efficient medical response, your construction business will be safer, improve employee morale, and stay compliant with legal regulations.

In this blog, we’ll go into detail about the importance of first aid on construction sites, not only for your employees safety, but also how it can implicate your business if you do not follow certain procedures. Let’s dive in!

The importance of first aid on construction sites

Construction sites are some of the most hazardous workplaces, with a high risk of accidents and injuries. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) statistics for 2023/24, the number of workers who sustained a non-fatal injury at work was 604,000. Given the dangers involved in construction, having a quick and effective first aid response is crucial in preventing minor injuries from becoming serious—or even life-threatening.

A well-implemented first aid strategy ensures that injured workers receive immediate care, improving recovery outcomes and reinforcing a company’s commitment to safety. Beyond having the right equipment on-site, proper first aid training is essential to ensure workers can respond effectively to common construction-related injuries, such as:

Falls from height – A major risk on construction sites, falls from ladders, scaffolding, or roofs can cause serious injuries.
Cuts and lacerations – Sharp tools, machinery, and broken materials can lead to deep wounds that require prompt treatment.
Crush injuries – Being caught between heavy machinery, materials, or vehicles can have severe consequences.
Burns and chemical exposure – Contact with hot surfaces, flames, chemicals, or hazardous substances can lead to serious burns.
Electrocution – Working with live electrical wires or faulty equipment increases the risk of electric shocks.
Broken bones – Falls, crush incidents, or being struck by heavy objects can result in fractures.

By ensuring workers are trained in first aid, businesses can reduce response times, improve safety outcomes, and create a more secure working environment. In high-risk industries like construction, being prepared can make all the difference.

Legal requirements for first aid on construction sites

Making sure construction workers have access to first aid isn’t just good practice—it’s a legal requirement. Under the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, employers must have proper first aid arrangements in place to protect their team. This includes:

Well-stocked first aid kits & facilities – Every construction site needs first aid kits with essential supplies like bandages, antiseptic wipes, dressings, and scissors. These should be easy to find and well-maintained. Employers should also provide a designated first aid area where injured workers can be treated in a safe and private space.
Enough trained first aiders – The number of first aiders needed depends on the size and risk level of the site. The HSE recommends at least one trained first aider for every 50 workers, but higher-risk projects may need more. Regular refresher courses ensure first aiders stay up to date with best practices.
Clear & accessible first aid procedures – All workers should know where first aid kits are, how to get help in an emergency, and who to contact. Running regular training sessions and drills can make sure everyone knows what to do if an accident happens.

Additionally, The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) 2015 place further responsibilities on employers to manage health, safety, and welfare on construction sites, including first aid provisions.

Another key legal requirement is reporting workplace injuries. Under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013. employers must log and report serious accidents. Keeping accurate records helps spot accident trends and improve site safety for the future.

Ignoring these rules can lead to hefty fines, legal trouble, and reputational damage—so it’s worth getting first aid right from the start.

Assessing the right level of first aid provision on site

No two construction sites are the same, so first aid requirements will vary. To ensure the right provisions are in place, employers must carry out a first aid needs assessment.

Factors influencing the level of first aid provision on a construction site include:

Site size and layout – Larger sites and those with complex layouts may require multiple first aid stations and a greater number of trained first aiders due to the potential for longer response times in reaching an injured person.
Number of workers – The number of workers on-site directly impacts the potential for accidents and injuries. The more staff you have, the more first aid provision you need.
Types of hazards and risks – Construction sites are a treasure-trove of hazards, including working at height, heavy machinery, and exposure to hazardous materials. The specific hazards presented on site will influence the type and level of first aid equipment and training required.
Proximity to emergency medical services – Sites located in remote areas or far from hospitals and ambulance services may need to have more advanced first aid provisions and trained personnel on-site, as emergency response times may be longer.
Previous accident records – A site with a history of accidents or specific types of injuries may need to tailor its first aid provisions to address those particular risks.
Local regulations and requirements – Specific laws and regulations regarding first aid provision in the construction industry will also influence the level of first aid required on a site.
Weather conditions – Extreme weather conditions can increase the risk of injuries and may require additional first aid considerations. For instance, extreme heat can lead to heatstroke requiring cooling measures, severe cold can cause hypothermia needing warming, and heavy rain can increase the risk of falls and potential water hazards requiring safety precautions.
Duration of the project – Longer projects may require ongoing first aid training and replenishment of supplies.

By assessing these factors, employers can determine how many trained first aiders are needed and what level of training they require, ensuring the site is well-prepared for any accidents or emergencies, although ultimately prevention is better than cure!

The business benefits of prioritising first aid

Providing comprehensive first aid on-site isn’t just about meeting legal requirements—it brings real, tangible benefits to your business.

Less downtime, more productivity – Quick and effective first aid can prevent minor injuries from becoming major issues, helping employees recover faster and reducing time off work. This keeps projects on track and minimises disruption.
Happier, more loyal employees – When workers see that their safety is a priority, they feel valued and secure. This leads to higher morale, stronger job satisfaction, and increased loyalty to the company.
Lower costs from accidents – Immediate first aid can reduce the severity of injuries, cutting down on medical expenses, insurance claims, and compensation costs. Preventing accidents before they escalate saves money in the long run, and is a lot less painful!.
Stronger reputation & industry credibility – A company known for prioritising safety stands out. This can help attract skilled workers, build trust with clients, and strengthen relationships with industry partners.
A safer workplace culture – Making first aid a priority encourages employees to be more safety-conscious, reducing the risk of accidents and creating a more proactive approach to workplace hazards.
Increased focus & engagement – When employees feel safe, they’re less distracted by concerns about potential risks, allowing them to focus better on their tasks and work more efficiently.

Investing in first aid isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s a smart business decision that improves productivity, morale, cost efficiency, and overall workplace safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What first aid equipment is required on a construction site?

Construction sites must have first aid kits, clearly marked first aid stations, and access to trained first aiders. Additional equipment such as defibrillators or burn dressings may be needed for higher-risk sites.

How do you decide the level of first aid provision required on site?

Employers should carry out a first aid needs assessment considering factors such as site size, worker numbers, accident history, and site hazards.

What should be in a first aid kit on a construction site?

A construction site first aid kit should contain sterile dressings, bandages, plasters, antiseptic wipes, eye wash, safety gloves, a resuscitation face shield, and other essential medical supplies.

Online First Aid Training

Here at iHasco, we offer a number of basic First Aid Training courses that are extremely valuable for both employer and employee. Our courses include:

You can claim a free trial to any of these courses today! Alternatively, you can request a bespoke quote and a member of our team will be happy to discuss your first aid training requirements.