Incidents & Accidents · Mandatory · Pre-Construction
First Aider and Equipment Register
A register of qualified first aiders on site including their certification expiry dates, and an inventory of first aid equipment and its locations.
Last reviewed: 29 March 2026 — This guide reflects UK law as of this date. MHSWR / First Aid Regs 1981 remains current with no amendments enacted as of 29 March 2026. Next scheduled review: 29 March 2027.
1. First Aider Register — Knowing Who Can Help and When Their Certificate is Current
The register serves two essential functions: it provides site management with a complete, current list of qualified first aiders and their certificate status; and it provides workers with the information they need to find first aid quickly.
The register must be current — an expired certificate means the holder is no longer qualified. It must track expiry dates and trigger renewal before the certificate lapses. On a site with only one first aider, an expired certificate means zero first aid coverage — a serious breach.
A first aider with an expired certificate is not a first aider — plan renewals well in advance
Renewal requires booking a course which may not be immediately available. If left until the month of expiry, a course may not be available before the certificate lapses. Flag certificates expiring within 3 months. Annual refresher is strongly recommended.
2. First Aider / Equipment Register — Content
| Field | Content |
|---|---|
| PART 1: First Aiders | — |
| Name | Full name. |
| Qualification | FAW / EFAW / Mental Health FA (or other). |
| Certificate number | Unique reference. |
| Issue date | Date issued. |
| Expiry date | Date expires (3 years from issue). |
| Renewal due | Flag date 3 months before expiry. |
| Contact on site | How to reach (radio channel, phone number). |
| PART 2: Equipment | — |
| First aid box location | Area of site. |
| Last inspected | Date of last inspection. |
| Condition | Adequately stocked / items to replace. |
| Next inspection due | Typically weekly for active construction. |
| AED location | If present: location, service date, pad expiry. |
3. Common Mistakes
Certificates expire before register flags the issue
The most common failure. The register must include expiry dates and a flag/review mechanism alerting at least 3 months before expiry. Calendar reminder, flagged spreadsheet row, or safety system alert. Discovering an expired certificate during an HSE inspection is entirely avoidable.
No first aider information posted for workers
Workers must know who the first aiders are and where to find them. A laminated notice in the welfare area should show: name, photo, contact details, first aid box locations, and AED location. Updated whenever first aiders change.
First aid box not restocked after use
Items used must be restocked immediately. Weekly inspection confirms stock levels. Running out of dressings during a second treatment because the first depleted the supply is avoidable.
Needs assessment not reviewed as project evolves
The start-of-project assessment may not remain adequate. As workforce increases or higher-risk activities commence, first aid needs may increase. The register should prompt periodic review.
Mental health first aid completely overlooked
Construction has one of the highest suicide rates of any industry. The 2024 L74 explicitly requires consideration of mental health in needs assessments. Sites should designate a mental health first aider, display resources prominently, and subscribe to an EAP (typically 15–30 per employee per year, providing 24/7 access).
4. Frequently Asked Questions
Does every site need a first aider or just an appointed person?▾
It depends on the needs assessment. An appointed person (no qualification) is the minimum — they look after equipment and call 999. A first aider (FAW/EFAW) provides actual treatment. For construction (high-risk), HSE strongly recommends trained first aiders. Fewer than 5 high-risk workers requires 1 appointed person; 5 to 50 requires 1 FAW or EFAW holder. Remote sites need more.
Can a first aider from one employer treat another employer’s workers?▾
Yes — this is necessary on multi-employer construction sites. The principal contractor typically takes responsibility for site-wide first aid provision. A written agreement between the principal contractor and subcontractors is recommended. A first aider owes a duty of care to anyone regardless of employer.
What should be on the first aid notice for workers?▾
First aider name(s) and photo; contact number; first aid box locations; AED location; emergency services 999; nearest A&E address. Displayed in the welfare area, site office, and at the main access point. Must be legible and updated when details change.
Are AEDs required?▾
There is no UK legal requirement currently. HSE recommends considering AEDs in the needs assessment for larger workplaces or those remote from emergency services. If provided: register with the ambulance service, maintain per manufacturer instructions, track pad expiry, and include in first aider training.
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Construction Suite walks you through every required section with a guided Q&A — built to MHSWR / First Aid Regs 1981 — and generates a professionally formatted document in minutes.
Get started freeThis guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, regulations change and individual project circumstances vary. Construction Suite is a trading name of Xzist Digital Ltd, registered in England and Wales.