Occupational Health and Safety Act

In any work environment, employees and visitors can be injured or fall ill.  Irrespective of whether or not their injury or illness is caused as a result of the work they perform, it is the employer’s duty to ensure that employees receive immediate and appropriate medical care.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act No 85 of 1993 as amended by the Occupational Health and Safety Amendment Act No 181 of 1993 states that an employer must take all reasonable steps necessary under the circumstances to ensure that employees in the workplace receive prompt first aid treatment in the event of injury or a medical emergency. 

To download your complete copy of the Occupational Health and Safety Act No 85 of 1993, click here

http://www.labour.gov.za/DOL/legislation/acts/occupational-health-and-safety/occupational-health-and-safety-act-and-amendments

“Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993)

16. Chief Executive Officer charged with certain duties

  1. Every chief executive officer shall as far as is reasonably practicable ensure that the duties of his employer as contemplated in this Act, are properly discharged.
  2. Without derogating from his responsibility or liability in terms of subsection (1), a chief executive officer may assign any duty contemplated in the said subsection, to any person under his control, which person shall act subject to the control and directions of the chief executive officer.
  3. The provisions of subsection (1) shall not, subject to the provisions of section 37, relieve an employer of any responsibility or liability under this Act.
  4. For the purpose of subsection (1) , the head of department of any department of State shall be deemed to be the chief executive officer of that department.”

The Act also states that:

“when more than 5 employees are employed at a workplace, the employer must provide a suitable first aid box which is accessible in the workplace for the treatment of the injured, 

more than 10 employees are employed at a workplace, the employer must ensure that for every group of up to 50 employees at that particular workplace there is at least one person readily available during normal working hours who is in possession of a valid first aid certificate issued by an organisation approved by the chief inspector (DOL).”