First Aid in the Kitchen: Why Every Commercial Kitchen in South Africa Must Be Prepared

Commercial kitchens are fast-paced, high-pressure environments — with sharp knives, hot oil, heavy pots, and slippery floors all part of daily operations. Accidents happen quickly, and when they do, having a well-stocked first aid kit can make all the difference.

In South Africa, it’s also the law.

Legal Requirements for First Aid in Kitchens

According to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and General Safety Regulations, every workplace must:

  • Have at least one clearly marked, easily accessible first aid kit

  • Appoint a trained first aider if more than 10 people are employed on the premises

For commercial kitchens, where injury risks are high, these requirements aren’t just legal — they’re practical.

Common Injuries in Commercial Kitchens

Kitchens can be dangerous environments. Some of the most common injuries include:

  • Cuts and lacerations (from knives, glass, or slicers)

  • Burns and scalds (from hot liquids, oil, or steam)

  • Slips and falls (on wet or greasy floors)

  • Eye injuries (from splashes or cleaning chemicals)

  • Muscle sprains (from lifting heavy pots or sudden falls)

Your first aid kit needs to be equipped to manage these situations until medical help arrives.

What Should Be in Your First Aid Kit?

Every kitchen first aid box should include, at a minimum:

✔ Plasters and sterile dressings
✔ Burn dressings and burn gel
✔ Gauze, bandages, and antiseptic wipes
✔ Disposable gloves and scissors
✔ Tweezers and a CPR mouthpiece
✔ Eye wash solution
✔ Splints and crepe bandages
✔ A first aid guide
✔ Safety pins and tape

📌 Remember: kit contents should reflect the size of your team and the specific risks of your kitchen.

How to Keep Your Kit Up to Date

An out-of-date or empty first aid box is as risky as not having one at all. Here’s how to stay on top of it:

  • Assign a responsible person to manage and check the kit

  • Do a monthly inspection to check for used or expired items

  • Restock immediately after anything is used

  • Use a checklist to track required contents and stay compliant

🎁 Download our free First Aid Kit Monthly Checklist tailored for South African commercial kitchens at www.foodconsulting.co.za.

Final Thoughts

A well-maintained first aid kit can mean the difference between a minor incident and a major emergency. It’s more than a legal obligation — it’s a sign that you value the safety and well-being of your kitchen staff.

Trust Food Consulting Services to help you stay safe, compliant, and prepared.