First Aid On Construction Sites

Why First Aid Matters

First aid is an important factor on construction sites because accidents can happen quickly and injuries may be serious. Knowing basic first aid can help protect life, prevent a condition from worsening, and support recovery until trained help arrives.

Construction sites often involve work at height, vehicles, machinery, electricity, sharp tools, hazardous substances, and manual handling. These risks make clear first-aid arrangements essential.

Before First Aid Is Required

Know Where the First-Aid Kit Is Kept

Ensure you know where the first-aid kit is kept. First-aid supplies should be easy to access and workers should not have to search for them during an emergency.

Know Who the First Aiders Are

Know who the first aider, emergency first aiders, and appointed persons are. These people should be identified during site induction and may also be clearly marked, for example by a sticker on their safety helmet.

Use a Travelling First-Aid Kit When Needed

Have a small travelling first-aid kit if you are working in a small group away from the main site, or if you use potentially dangerous tools or machinery.

Know How to Call Emergency Services

Familiarise yourself with the procedure for calling the emergency services. Workers should know the site address, access points, emergency contact process, and who must be informed.

If You Discover a Casualty

Call for Medical Help

Call or send someone for medical help immediately. Make sure the first aider or appointed person is informed as soon as possible.

Protect Your Own Safety

Ensure your own safety as you approach the casualty. Do not rush into danger. Check for hazards such as electricity, moving plant, falling materials, fire, chemicals, unstable structures, or traffic.

Remove the Hazard if Safe

Remove the hazard from the casualty if it is safe to do so. If the hazard cannot be removed safely, keep away and wait for trained help.

Do Not Move the Casualty Unless Necessary

Do not move the casualty unless they are in immediate danger. Moving someone with a serious injury can make their condition worse, especially if there may be a head, neck, back, or broken bone injury.

Stay with the Casualty

Remain with the casualty and give reassurance. Stay calm, speak clearly, and keep them as comfortable as possible while waiting for help.

Do Not Give Food, Drink, or Cigarettes

Do not give drinks or food to the casualty. Only moisten their lips if needed, and do not allow them to smoke.

Basic First-Aid Priorities

The priorities of first aid are to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, and promote recovery. Workers should not attempt treatment beyond their training.

• Make the area safe before approaching
• Call for help immediately
• Check whether the casualty is responsive
• Keep the airway clear if trained to do so
• Control serious bleeding if trained and safe
• Keep the casualty still and reassured
• Wait for the first aider or emergency services

What Employers Are Expected to Provide

Employers are responsible for making suitable first-aid arrangements based on the risks and number of people on site.

First-Aid Needs Assessment

Employers should complete a first-aid needs assessment. This assessment should consider the type of work, hazards, number of workers, site layout, working patterns, and distance from emergency medical services.

Appointed Persons and First Aiders

Employers must ensure there is either an appointed person to take charge of first-aid arrangements, or appropriate numbers of suitably trained first aiders.

Adequate Facilities and First-Aid Boxes

Employers should ensure there are adequate first-aid facilities and a suitably stocked first-aid box. First-aid equipment should match the nature of the work and the number of workers.

Information for Workers

Employers should provide workers with information about first-aid arrangements, including who the first aiders are, where first-aid equipment is kept, and what to do in an emergency.

Employer Responsibilities

• Complete a first-aid needs assessment
• Provide suitable first-aid cover for the site
• Include shift work, remote work, and holiday cover in arrangements
• Appoint somebody to restock first-aid boxes
• Provide first-aid equipment appropriate to the work and workforce size
• Ensure first aiders are easy to identify
• Provide information about first-aid arrangements
• Review first-aid arrangements when site conditions change

Worker Responsibilities

Workers also have an important role in first-aid arrangements. Everyone on site should understand what to do if an accident happens.

• Know where the first-aid kit is located
• Know who the first aiders and appointed persons are
• Report accidents, injuries, and near misses
• Do not interfere with first-aid equipment
• Keep access to first-aid facilities clear
• Follow emergency procedures
• Do not attempt treatment beyond your training

First-Aid Questions for Toolbox Talks

• When would you need a first-aid kit of your own?
• On finding a casualty, what is the first thing to do?
• What should you do until a first aider arrives?
• What is your employer expected to provide you with?
• What are the priorities of first aid?

Conclusion

First aid is a vital part of construction site safety. Knowing where first-aid equipment is kept, who the first aiders are, and how to call emergency services can make a significant difference in an emergency.

If you discover a casualty, call for help, check that it is safe to approach, remove hazards only if safe, avoid moving the casualty unless they are in immediate danger, and stay with them until help arrives.

Employers must assess first-aid needs, provide suitable equipment and trained personnel, maintain first-aid supplies, and ensure workers understand the arrangements. Clear first-aid planning helps protect lives and supports safer construction sites.