First aid at work - what does the law require?
Every workplace must keep first aid supplies, train first aiders and record every incident. This guide explains the large first aid kit to DIN 13157, the required number of first aiders, mandatory signage and the accident record book under DGUV rules.
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Which first aid kit is required?
Workplace first aid uses two standard sizes: the small kit to DIN 13157 and the large kit to DIN 13169, which holds the contents of two small kits. Which one you need depends on the type of business and headcount.
Office and retail businesses can use one small kit (DIN 13157) up to 50 staff, production and trade businesses up to 20. Beyond that, add further kits or the large DIN 13169 kit. The governing documents are DGUV Regel 100‑001 and technical rule ASR A4.3.
How many first aiders does a business need?
The number of trained first aiders is based on how many insured people are present. The basis is DGUV Vorschrift 1, which sets fixed percentages depending on the level of risk.
- Up to 2 people present: no first aider strictly required, but recommended.
- Office and retail businesses from 2 people: at least 5 % of staff as first aiders.
- All other businesses from 2 people: at least 10 % of staff.
- Training at an authorised provider, scope of 9 teaching units.
- Refresher course at least every 2 years, otherwise the qualification lapses.
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Read the guideWhat signage and marking is needed?
First aid facilities must be clearly visible and permanently marked. The safety sign shows a white cross on a green background to ISO 7010 (E003) and technical rule ASR A1.3.
- First aid poster (DGUV Information 204‑001) with emergency numbers and first aiders in a visible spot.
- Keep the names and contact details of first aiders up to date.
- Safety sign E003 on the kit and at alarm points.
- List the emergency number 112 and internal reporting routes.
How is first aid documented?
Every act of first aid - even a minor cut - is recorded. This protects the insurance claim: if a minor injury causes problems later, the entry proves the link to work.
The traditional tool is the accident record book, or an incident notepad. You log the date and time, name of the injured person, how it happened, the type of injury, the action taken and the first aider. For data protection the book is kept locked away.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between DIN 13157 and DIN 13169?
DIN 13157 describes the small first aid kit, DIN 13169 the large one. The large kit holds the contents of two small kits and is used for higher headcounts.
How many first aiders are mandatory?
In office and retail businesses at least 5 % of the people present, in all other businesses at least 10 %. The basis is DGUV Vorschrift 1.
Do I have to record every minor injury?
Yes. Even small injuries go in the record book so that any late effects can be linked to work. The record must be kept for 10 years.
How often must the kit be checked?
Regularly, usually once a year. Check completeness and expiry dates and replace any expired or used items.
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We supply first aid kits to DIN 13157 and DIN 13169, refill material, posters and record books - all standard-compliant.
Standard-compliant
First aid kits to DIN 13157 and DIN 13169.
Always complete
Refill sets with a current issue date.
Legally sound
Posters and record books to DGUV rules.
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