Workplace First Aid Requirements in South Africa
Quick Answer
South African OHS Act General Safety Regulations require accessible first aid equipment where more than 5 employees are present. Where more than 10 employees work, trained first-aiders are required at prescribed ratios.
When is First Aid Equipment Required?
Every workplace with more than 5 employees must have accessible first aid equipment. The equipment must be:
- Clearly marked and signposted
- Accessible at all times during working hours
- Maintained and replenished
- Located near high-risk areas where applicable
Trained First-Aider Requirements
| Workplace Type | Employees | First-Aiders Required |
|---|---|---|
| Offices and shops | 1–10 | 1 per 100 employees |
| Offices and shops | 11–50 | 1 per 50 employees |
| Other workplaces | 1–10 | 1 per 50 employees |
| Other workplaces | 11–50 | 1 per 25 employees |
Regulation 3 Minimum Contents
- Wound cleaner/antiseptic 100 ml
- Swabs and cotton wool 100 g
- Sterile gauze (≥10)
- Forceps and scissors (≥100 mm)
- Safety pins
- Triangular bandages × 4
- Roller bandages 75 mm and 100 mm × 4 each
- Elastic and hypoallergenic adhesive
- Assorted plasters (≥10)
- First aid dressings small and large × 4 each
- Straight splints × 2
- Disposable gloves (medium and large × 2 pairs each)
- CPR mouthpieces × 2
Inspection and Replenishment
First aid kits must be inspected regularly. Expired items must be replaced. Keep a replenishment log. A refill system allows consumed or expired items to be replaced without discarding the entire container.
Important
Keep inappropriate medicines out of workplace first aid boxes. First aid is for immediate response to injury, not for ongoing medical treatment.