What Myanmar law says
Yes — first-aid kits are mandatory under the Occupational Safety and Health Law 2019. The duty applies to every workplace, regardless of size or sector. Larger sites and high-hazard industries (factories, construction, mining) must have multiple kits placed in accessible locations, trained first-aiders on each shift, and a documented replenishment cadence.
The Factories Act 1951 adds factory-specific provisions on first-aid for higher-risk operations — chemical handling, machine shops, and similar — including pre-shift readiness checks.
First-aid requirements
| Element | Standard |
|---|---|
| First-aid kit on site | Mandatory at every workplace |
| Number of kits | Sufficient for headcount and site layout |
| Contents | Bandages, antiseptic, gauze, scissors, eye-wash, gloves, CPR mask, basic medications |
| Trained first-aiders | At least one per shift in larger workplaces; certified annually |
| Replenishment log | Inventory check cadence (typical monthly) |
| Signage | Clear pictogram showing kit location |
| Records | Issuance log, replenishment log, training certificates |
| Retention | ≥ 5 years |
Edge cases
- Multi-floor offices — at least one kit per floor; central kit alone is insufficient.
- Field / construction — vehicle-mounted kits and portable trauma kits required.
- Chemical handling — eye-wash and chemical-burn-specific items must be added.
- Remote locations — emergency-response plan must address evacuation time to nearest hospital.
- Expired contents — replenishment log must trigger replacement before expiry.
Records and inspections
The replenishment log, first-aider certificates, and any first-aid incident log must be on file. The OSH inspectorate checks these during inspection, especially expired contents and missing first-aider coverage. Buyer audits in export sectors specifically demand the replenishment log. Retention ≥ 5 years.
Employer takeaway
First-aid kits are mandatory at every Myanmar workplace under the OSH Law 2019. Place enough kits to cover the site, add a trained first-aider per shift in larger operations, run a monthly replenishment check, and signpost kit locations. Keep the replenishment log and first-aider certificates on file for 5 years. Expired contents are a frequent OSH inspection finding.
Common mistakes
- One central first-aid kit on a multi-floor site — insufficient.
- Letting bandages, antiseptic, or eye-wash expire without replenishment.
- Designating first-aiders without certification.
- No signage indicating kit location.
Related reading: workplace safety law, fire safety drills mandatory, and safety records to maintain.
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