No imposed content, but an obligation of means
Since the reform of the Code on Well-being at Work (Book I, Title 5), there is no longer a regulatory list of items imposed for the first-aid kit. The legislator opted for an obligation of means: it is up to the employer to determine the equipment suited to the undertaking, based on its activities and its risk assessment.
Who decides the contents?
The employer determines, after advice from the prevention adviser-occupational physician and the Committee:
- the basic material required;
- the contents of the first-aid kit;
- where this material is located;
- any useful additions.
The employer must also check regularly that the material and the kit are present and complete at the intended location. Inspectors of the Directorate-General for the Supervision of Well-being at Work may, where they consider it necessary, require different contents or additions.
Accessible and checked material
The first-aid obligations stem in particular from the Royal Decree of 15 December 2010. Beyond the contents, the employer ensures that the material is easily accessible, that its location is known to workers and signposted, and that the first-aid kit is checked and restocked after each use. The contents are reviewed whenever activities, processes or the risk assessment change: a company handling chemicals does not have the same needs as an office. In this way, the equipment stays aligned with the real risks of the workplace.
An indicative list exists
To help employers, the FPS Employment publishes guidance on first aid at work that offers an example of the basic contents of a first-aid kit and an indicative allocation of designated staff. This list is not binding: it is a starting point to be adapted to the risks (work with machinery, chemicals, construction sites).
Medicines: best avoided
The Code advises against including medicines, even over-the-counter ones, in the first-aid kit. Occupational health is essentially preventive and the first-aider is not authorised to administer medication. When in doubt, they refer the casualty to a healthcare professional or the emergency services (112).
What about the first-aid room?
In group A, B or C undertakings, a first-aid room is in principle mandatory, unless the risk assessment shows it is not necessary. Its layout is decided by the employer after advice from the occupational physician and the Committee. It may also serve as a rest room for pregnant or breastfeeding workers.
General information, to be checked against the official texts and the advice of your prevention service.