This First Aid Kit is a carefully assembled collection of essential medical supplies designed to provide effective first aid in the event of injury or emergency. Contents vary according to workplace needs, legal requirements, and risk environments, allowing compliance across a wide range of industries and locations.

What Does the Law Say?

According to the General Safety Regulations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993), employers must take all reasonable steps to ensure that employees and visitors receive prompt and effective first aid treatment. This includes providing proper first aid equipment and ensuring that trained personnel are available.

The Act Requires That:

In order to pass a Department of Labour audit, at least 5% of the workforce on duty must be trained in first aid by a registered training institution.

Teams of at least four employees must be prepared to work together and share responsibilities for first aid and fire-fighting duties.

First aid boxes must be provided on-site wherever work is performed, including remote locations and delivery areas. A trained, responsible person must always have immediate access to first aid equipment.

First aid facilities must be clearly marked as required by law, ensuring that even unfamiliar visitors can easily identify emergency equipment.

How Many First Aid Boxes Are Required?

• The number of first aid kits needed must be determined by the employer, based on:
• The nature of workplace activities
• The types of injuries likely to occur
• The number of employees on-site

Minimum Contents of a First Aid Box

In offices and shops, quantities under items 1, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 17, and 18 may be reduced by half.

• Wound cleaner / antiseptic (100ml)
• Swabs for cleaning wounds
• Cotton wool for padding (100g)
• Sterile gauze (min. 10)
• Forceps (for splinters)
• Scissors (min. size 100mm)
• Safety pins (set)
• 4 Triangular bandages
• 4 Roller bandages (75mm x 5m)
• 4 Roller bandages (100mm x 5m)
• Elastic adhesive (25mm x 3m)
• Non-allergenic adhesive strip (25mm x 3m)
• Assorted adhesive dressing strips (min. 10)
• 4 First aid dressings (75mm x 100mm)
• 4 First aid dressings (150mm x 200mm)
• 2 Straight splints
• 2 Pairs large and 2 pairs medium latex gloves
• 2 CPR mouthpieces or similar devices