Essential First Aid Requirements Every SME Should Know.
By Robin Tapinos, Occupational Health and Safety Expert & Trainer
Creating a safe and healthy workplace isn’t just about compliance—it’s about showing employees you care. As an OHS expert working with SMEs across South Africa, I've seen firsthand how preparation can save lives and reduce the severity of workplace incidents. Let’s dive into what’s required for first aid in your workplace, why it's essential, and the practical steps you can take to make sure your team is well-supported in emergencies.
Why First Aid is Essential in the Workplace
First aid is the immediate care given to someone who’s injured or suddenly taken ill before medical help arrives. It not only preserves life but also limits the escalation of injuries. In my years working with SMEs, I’ve found that first aid training can significantly boost staff morale and confidence in their safety at work.
Legal Obligations Under South African Law
In South Africa, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993) mandates employers to take reasonable steps to ensure a safe work environment. This includes the provision of first aid. Under General Safety Regulation (GSR) 3, it’s not only about having a box of supplies but also about implementing procedures and appointing trained personnel.
When and Where First Aid is Required
Appointing a First Aider: When and Why
For any workplace with more than 10 employees, a designated first aider is required. First aiders are crucial; they provide quick responses that can prevent minor injuries from becoming severe. Here’s the breakdown of how many first aiders you’ll need:
Shops and Offices: 1 first aider for every 100 employees
Other Workplaces (factories, workshops): 1 first aider for every 50 employees
Tip: Make sure your first aider has a valid certificate from a certified training provider. It’s also beneficial for first aiders to have additional training if your workplace deals with hazardous chemicals or biological agents.
First Aid Training and Certification: What’s Needed?
Approved Training Programs and Providers
In South Africa, only providers approved by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) or a Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) are allowed to conduct first aid training. The following unit standards cover workplace first aid competencies:
US 119567: Basic life support and first aid procedures
US 120496: Risk-based primary emergency care/first aid
US 376480: Advanced first response
A few years back, I trained with an SME whose workers handled hazardous chemicals daily. We equipped their first aiders with specialized training on chemical burns and eye injuries. In the end, this training paid off when an employee was accidentally splashed with a caustic substance. Because of our preparation, the on-site first aider was able to immediately irrigate the injury, reducing the damage and getting the worker stabilized before paramedics arrived.
First Aid Boxes: What’s Required?
How Many First Aid Boxes Do You Need?
Employers are required to keep first aid boxes on-site when there are more than five employees. The number of boxes will depend on your workplace’s risk assessment, which should consider:
The types of injuries likely to occur
The nature of activities performed
The number of employees
Tip: Position these boxes in visible, easily accessible locations. Signs should clearly indicate where the first aid boxes are located and who is responsible for them.
Minimum Contents of a First Aid Box
The contents of a first aid box should meet the requirements listed in the GSR Annexure. Here’s what you’ll typically need:
Wound cleaner/antiseptic (100ml)
Sterile gauze and cotton wool for padding
Roller bandages, safety pins, adhesive dressing strips, and disposable gloves
A CPR mouthpiece or similar device
Additional Items for Hazardous Workplaces
If your workplace involves exposure to hazardous biological or chemical agents, you might also consider including items like an absorbent material for body fluid spills, disinfectants, and impervious bags for safe disposal.
Real-World Example
One SME I worked with in the food processing industry added a “spillage kit” to their first aid supplies. This kit included gloves, absorbent material, and disinfectants to quickly address accidental spills of biological substances. Including these items not only helped the business meet regulatory requirements but also contributed to a safer work environment.
What About Medications?
There’s an ongoing debate about including medications like headache tablets or cough syrups in first aid boxes. According to the Medicines and Related Substances Control Act, medications shouldn’t be stored in first aid kits unless they are under the control of a qualified health professional.
Emergency Equipment Beyond First Aid Boxes
In workplaces where employees face risks of exposure to hazardous materials, it’s essential to have eye-wash stations and deluge showers available. Employers must ensure:
Eye Wash Stations for workplaces with exposure to harmful agents.
Deluge Showers for sudden skin exposure to hazardous substances.
Pro Tip: Regularly train your employees on the use of this equipment. Knowledge alone isn’t enough—hands-on practice ensures they’re ready to act in an emergency.
Inspections and First Aid Register
Regular inspections keep first aid boxes up to date and compliant. I always recommend a simple checklist to confirm that:
Supplies are well-stocked and not expired
Damaged or used items are promptly replaced
Also, maintaining a first aid register near the first aid box helps document incidents, providing valuable records for health and safety reviews and potential compensation claims.
Establishing an effective first aid system in your workplace isn’t just about meeting legal standards; it’s about fostering a safe and caring work environment. As I’ve seen over the years, being prepared for the unexpected doesn’t just protect employees—it boosts morale and demonstrates a commitment to their well-being. By ensuring your workplace has trained first aiders, well-stocked first aid boxes, and accessible emergency equipment, you’ll be investing in a safer, more prepared workspace.
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