First Aid Kit Requirements in Singapore: What Every Business Must Know

TL;DR — Quick Summary

Singapore’s WSH (First Aid) Regulations 2006 require every employer to provide a prescribed minimum set of first aid supplies, at least one trained first aider on site at all times, and regular documented inspections. Fines reach S$500,000 for corporations. Unlike New Zealand, Singapore specifies the exact items that must be in your kit by law — not just a risk assessment. Alsco’s managed service handles supply, quarterly restocking, and audit-ready compliance records on one flat monthly fee with no upfront costs.

Under Singapore’s Workplace Safety and Health Act (WSHA), every employer must provide adequate first aid equipment, trained first aiders, and proper facilities. Fines for non-compliance reach S$500,000 for corporations. This guide covers exactly what you need to provide, how many trained first aiders you need on site, and what happens when you fall short.

1. What Singapore Law Actually Requires

The Workplace Safety and Health Act 2006 (WSHA) places a duty on every employer to take reasonably practicable measures to protect workers. The WSH (First Aid) Regulations 2006 translate that into three specific requirements: minimum kit contents, required first aider ratios, and employer reporting obligations.

Unlike New Zealand’s framework, Singapore specifies the exact items that must be in a compliant first aid box by law. MOM still expects a risk assessment — higher-risk environments must go beyond the prescribed minimum.

2. First Aider Requirements by Workplace Risk

A first aider must hold a current certificate from a recognised training provider. Lapsed certificates mean non-compliance even if your kits are fully stocked. A trained first aider must be available during all operating hours — including nights and weekends.

3. What Must Be in a Compliant First Aid Box

The WSH (First Aid) Regulations 2006 prescribe a mandatory minimum list.

Adhesive dressings and wound care:

• 10 adhesive plasters (assorted sizes)
• 2 sterile eye pads
• 2 sterile wound dressings (size 1/2)
• 2 sterile wound dressings (size 3/4)
• 2 sterile wound dressings (size 5)
• 2 sterile wound dressings (size 6)

Bandages and support:

• 3 polyamide bandages (5m x 100mm)
• 2 crepe bandages (5m x 75mm)
• 2 triangular bandages

Response and safety:

• 1 CPR face shield or resuscitation mask
• 1 pair disposable gloves
• 1 sterile saline flush (150ml minimum)
• 1 clinical thermometer

Tools:

• 1 pair scissors (rounded tip)
• 1 pair tweezers
• 1 safety pin

Higher-risk workplaces (chemicals, heavy industry) must also provide eyewash stations, burn kits, and additional items based on hazard assessment.

4. How Often Must Kits Be Inspected and Restocked?

MOM recommends kits be inspected at least every three months and restocked after any use. The most common failures found during MOM workplace inspections are:

• Expired consumables — dressings, gloves, and saline past their use-by date
• Items removed after an incident and not replaced
• No maintenance log — no evidence anyone has checked the kit
• First aider certificate lapsed or not on record
• Kit placement not clearly marked or accessible to all staff
• Kit size no longer matches current headcount or hazard profile

5. Penalties for Non-Compliance

6. How Alsco’s Managed First Aid Service Works

Step 1: Free workplace assessment — We review your headcount, operations, shift patterns, and hazard profile to determine the correct number, size, and contents of kits required under WSH law.

Step 2: Installation and placement — Fully stocked hospital-grade first aid boxes are installed at strategic locations. Every location is clearly marked and accessible to all staff.

Step 3: Quarterly servicing — Alsco technicians visit every three months to inspect, restock, replace expired items, and update your compliance log.

Step 4: Audit-ready records — Every inspection is logged. If MOM arrives unannounced, you can produce a complete maintenance history on the spot.

Step 5: No upfront costs — All equipment is included in your flat monthly service fee. No capital outlay, no surprise restocking bills.

7. Alsco Managed vs Self-Managed

Frequently Asked Questions

How many first aid boxes does my Singapore workplace need?
At least one per 50 employees in low-risk settings. Higher-risk workplaces and separate floors require additional kits. Alsco’s free assessment determines the exact number for your site.

Can I use a first aid kit bought from a pharmacy?
Generally no. Commercial pharmacy kits for home use typically do not meet the WSH (First Aid) Regulations’ prescribed contents. You need a workplace-specific kit.

What happens if my first aider’s certificate expires?
Your business is immediately out of compliance even if your kits are fully stocked. A trained first aider must be present during all operating hours under WSHA.

How often does Alsco restock first aid kits?
Every three months, aligned with MOM’s recommended inspection frequency. Emergency restocking between visits is included at no extra charge.

Does Alsco provide compliance log documentation?
Yes. Every service visit generates a completed inspection and restocking record. If MOM inspects, you can produce the full maintenance history immediately.

Ready to take first aid compliance off your plate? Contact Alsco to arrange a free workplace first aid audit.

Call +65 3174 5058 or visit our First Aid Kit Rental page: https://www.alsco.com.sg/services/first-aid/