Maintaining a safe work environment isn’t just good practice, it’s a legal requirement under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act in South Africa. But how many health and safety representatives, first aiders, and committee members do you actually need? The answer depends on your number of employees, industry type, and specific training requirements. In this blog, we’ll break down the essentials to help you stay compliant and, more importantly, keep your team safe.
The Role of First Aiders: Legal Requirements and Training
Having a trained first aider on site is essential. Accidents can happen without warning, and a quick, knowledgeable response can make a significant difference. The General Safety Regulations, part of the OHS Act, specify that if your workplace has more than 10 employees, a first aid box must be provided, and at least one person should be trained in first aid. The number of first aiders required in the workplace depends on the number of employees employed in the workplace. We have simplified these stipulations for you below:
- 0-10 Employees – There’s no strict legal requirement for a first aider in smaller teams, but having one is strongly recommended. Consider a small office environment. While it might seem low-risk, a minor injury could quickly escalate without a trained responder on hand.
- 11-50 Employees – At least one trained first aider is required here. Best practice guidelines suggest one first aider for every 100 employees in low-risk environments (such as offices or retail) and one per 50 in higher-risk settings (like manufacturing or construction).
- 51-100 Employees – For workplaces of this size, a minimum of two trained first aiders is required, though more may be needed depending on the nature of the work. As the workforce grows, having multiple first aiders on site ensures that assistance is always close at hand.
- 101-150 Employees – For workplaces with 101-150 employees, you’ll need at least three trained first aiders, providing broad coverage to ensure quick emergency response times.
- Over 150 Employees – For larger teams, the standard is one first aider for every 50 employees. This ensures that each department or work area has someone available to provide immediate help if needed, which is vital in environments with elevated risks.
First aiders need to complete a first aid course through a registered training provider, like Absolute Health Services, to meet the requirements set out by the Department of Labour. This training adheres to recognised standards and regulations set out by both the Department of Labour and the OHS Act. It will ensure that first aiders have the skills required to effectively and confidently respond to emergencies. Over and above first aiders, there is a need, in certain environments, to have a Health and Safety Representative. Let’s examine these roles and responsibilities in more detail below.
Health and Safety Representatives: Appointment and Responsibilities
Health and Safety (H&S) representatives play a key role in maintaining a safe workplace. Their presence is not only a legal obligation but also an important measure in proactively addressing potential hazards and encouraging a culture of safety.
According to Section 17 of the OHS Act, any employer with over 20 employees must appoint H&S representatives. Their responsibilities include conducting regular inspections, reporting hazards, and communicating between employees and management.
The standard for how many H&D representatives are needed is one representative for every 50 workers, two for 50 to 100 employees and three for every 101 to 150 employees. In larger workplaces with over 150 employees, appointing one H&S representative for every group of 50 employees ensures coverage across all teams and shifts.
In higher-risk industries, such as construction or manufacturing, additional H&S representatives may be needed to address specific safety challenges.
H&S representatives must undergo training that enables them to carry out their duties effectively, such as the Health and Safety (H&S) Representative course provided by Absolute Health Services. This includes learning how to inspect for hazards, report potential risks, and collaborate with first aiders and the health and safety committee to uphold safety standards. In workplaces with more than one H&S representative, a Health and Safety Committee is needed. Let’s explore what this committee does.
Health and Safety Committees: When Are They Required?
As mentioned above, if your workplace has two or more H&S representatives, you’re legally obligated to establish a Health and Safety Committee, as stipulated in Section 19 of the OHS Act. This committee serves as an essential platform for discussing hazards, creating safety policies, and ensuring that measures are implemented across the workplace.
Your committee should include the appointed H&S representatives and other individuals deemed necessary by the employer. For instance, a manufacturing company might involve a manager from production, a representative from human resources, and other key stakeholders. Together, they focus on identifying and mitigating risks, enforcing safety policies, and educating employees on best practices.
Following these guidelines will help you comply with legal standards, prepare your workplace for emergencies, and keep all employees safe.
Conclusion
From the above, it is clear that complying with the OHS Act and General Safety Regulations goes beyond ticking boxes. It’s about committing to a safer work environment. Having the right number of trained first aiders, H&S representatives, and committee members can make a meaningful difference in your employees’ lives and your organisation’s overall culture. If you’re uncertain about the exact requirements for your workplace, consulting with an OHS expert, like Absolute Health Services, can provide clarity. This proactive step will not only ensure you meet your legal obligations but also show your team that their safety and well-being are your priorities. By investing in health and safety, you’re building a work environment where everyone can feel secure and valued—a foundation of trust and resilience that benefits the entire organisation.
Contact our team for more information and assistance, ensuring you have all your health and safety regulations and training boxes ticked!
