We have a number of questions asked about this legal requirement.
Here is a brief summary:
‘Employer shall take all reasonable steps that are necessary to ensure that persons at work receive prompt First Aid treatment in case of an injury or emergency’
This will apply to employee’s and those other than employee’s i.e. visitors, customers, public, contractors, etc.
More than 5 Employee’s at a workplace:
- Provide a First Aid Box
- Contents to include listed equipment in Annexure plus suitable equipment taking into account the nature of work
More than 10 Employee’s at a workplace:
- Ensure that every group of 50 employee’s, or in the case of shops and offices every group of 100 employees, at least one person readily available who is in possession of a Valid Certificate of Competency in First Aid
Affix prominent signs indicating where First Aid Box is kept as well as the name of the First Aider.
Eye wash fountain in immediate vicinity where employee’s are exposed to potential injury to eyes through biological or chemical substances.
Contents of a First Aid Box have expiry dates – check and replace accordingly!
- This applies mainly to sterilized products
- First Aid supplies generally have an expiry date 3-5 years after production
There is no prescription for Automated External Defibrillator (AED’s) to be provided in a workplace or public place.
This is a decision of the employer based on the risk.
If provided, it is strongly recommended that First Aiders are trained to use the AED.
Do not rely on untrained public to use such equipment!
