---
title: Why is first aid at work important?
description: First aid skills can help to save lives and prevent minor accidents and illnesses becoming more serious in the workplace.
---

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1. [Knowledge Base](https://knowledge.redcrossfirstaidtraining.co.uk/knowledge?hsLang=en)
2. [Getting started: Understanding your needs](https://knowledge.redcrossfirstaidtraining.co.uk/knowledge/getting-started-understanding-your-needs?hsLang=en)
3. [Understanding your first aid obligations](https://knowledge.redcrossfirstaidtraining.co.uk/knowledge/getting-started-understanding-your-needs?hsLang=en#understanding-your-first-aid-obligations)

# Why is first aid at work important?

## First aid skills can help to save lives and prevent minor accidents and illnesses becoming more serious in the workplace.

The [HSE](https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/) estimates that 561,000 people sustained a non-fatal injury at work in 2022/23 and there were 138 fatalities at work in 2023/24. This resulted in 35.2 million working days lost due to work-related injury and illness with an estimated cost of £20.7 billion in 2022/23.

For more information, please download our comprehensive guide, [‘First aid provision in the workplace: A Guide for Businesses’.](https://resources.redcrossfirstaidtraining.co.uk/download-complete-guide-to-first-aid-at-work?hsLang=en)

 

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