Maintain HSE Compliance & Skills With the First Aid at Work Re-qualification

In the UK, workplace first aid requirements are defined by the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981. These regulations place a legal duty on employers to provide adequate and appropriate first aid arrangements, determined by a suitable and sufficient risk assessment. This includes ensuring that trained and competent first aiders are available to respond promptly to incidents.

Where a trained first aider’s certification is due to expire, the First Aid at Work Re-qualification (FAWR) course enables employers to maintain compliance without interruption. Immediate and effective first aid remains critical in preventing escalation of injury or illness, and employers must ensure continued competence within their workforce.

The FAWR course is a two-day programme designed for individuals who hold a valid First Aid at Work (FAW) certificate and need to requalify before expiry. It refreshes and updates essential knowledge and practical skills, including incident management, CPR and AED use, treatment of unconscious casualties, control of bleeding, management of fractures, burns, shock, and other workplace medical emergencies.

Delivered through a blend of theory and practical assessment, the course ensures delegates remain confident, competent, and aligned with current best practice. On successful completion, candidates receive a renewed certificate valid for a further three years, supporting ongoing compliance with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) expectations and safeguarding workplace resilience.

What Should Be in a Workplace First Aid Kit?

Your first aid kit should be stocked based on the findings of your first aid needs assessment. As a general guide, in low-risk environments—such as office or desk-based roles—a basic first aid kit might include the following essentials:

• A leaflet with general guidance on first aid
• Sterile plasters and dressings
• Bandages and eye pads
• Disposable gloves
• Antiseptic wipes
• Scissors and tape
• First aid guidance leaflet

Kits should be checked regularly and restocked as needed. Larger or high-risk workplaces may require multiple kits or additional equipment like burn dressings or defibrillators.