Yes, the Occupational Health and Safety Act does apply to domestic workers. This requires employers to, amongst other things, identify and inform domestic workers of potential dangers at the workplace, implement appropriate protective measures and provide personal protective equipment / PPE to domestic workers.

For example, where domestic workers are required to work with potential toxic chemicals the necessary gloves should be provided and domestic workers must be required to use them.

Similarly, gardeners must be advised of the dangers of the machinery that they use and provided with and instructed to use personal protective equipment. This may include eye protection when utilizing a lawn-mower / trimmer and a requirement that closed shoes be worn. Specific precautions are required in respect of the use of certain items such as ladders.

Pregnant or breastfeeding domestic workers must not be required to do work which is hazardous to them or their child. Night work should also be avoided.

Click to download a guide on occupational health and safety standards for pregnant employees.