Globally, an estimated 2.78 million workers die from occupational accidents and work-related diseases each year. A further 374 million suffer non-fatal occupational accidents, underscoring a persistent and widening gap in workplace safety standards worldwide. 

This global crisis is mirrored in Africa, where the true scale of workplace harm is harder to quantify. “The African continent presents unique data collection challenges, given its hybrid work environment and the coexistence of informal and formal sectors, which leads to numerous workplace injuries going unreported," explains the Global Health Advisor for Clinical Governance at International SOS, Dr. Chris van Straten.

Even with limited visibility, available sector-specific records from South Africa's Department of Employment and Labour reveal a sobering trend: at least 1.5 to 2 construction fatalities occur weekly, positioning the industry among the country's top 4 high-risk sectors.

The Business Case for Onsite Medical Services

"There is a clear and immediate need for effective onsite medical services across project sites and office environments. When implemented strategically across various industries, these services enhance workforce safety, strengthen corporate health programs, and elevate employee wellness initiatives," adds Dr. van Straten.

As organisations across Africa strategise for 2026 and beyond, this need becomes increasingly critical. Forward-thinking companies must prioritise integrated onsite medical services to mitigate workplace hazards and create environments where employees can perform at their optimal level.

“Organisations committed to workplace safety and health recognise the importance of managing risks, providing safety equipment and implementing strong occupational health and safety programmes. Employee health and safety are at the core of these efforts. Onsite medical services form an essential part of this approach, ensuring both employees and operations remain resilient.”

Onsite medical services: what every employer should know

As workplace demands continue to rise and employees demand more support from their employer, onsite medical services make for a smart business move. These solutions bring healthcare directly to the workplace, eliminating the need for off-site visits. With qualified professionals on hand to treat injuries, manage illnesses and monitor health, organisations can reduce risks, respond faster and promote a culture of safety and wellness.

Key components include:

    Immediate medical care for workplace injuries and illnesses
    Regular health screenings and occupational health assessments
    Chronic condition management for employees with ongoing health needs
    Wellness and prevention programs targeting future risk reduction

“Wellness and prevention programmes that reduce future risks, for example, screening for and managing non-communicable diseases (NCDs), can reduce the incidence of serious cardiac-related events on a project site. The presence of qualified medical personnel onsite ensures rapid care for urgent cases and supports a safer, healthier workforce,” emphasises Dr. van Straten. “A proactive approach rather than a reactive one is crucial.”
The result: onsite medical teams deliver timely care exactly when and where employees need care, protecting health and maintaining smooth operations.

10 Strategic Advantages of Onsite Medical Services

For organisations ready to elevate workplace safety standards:
1. Immediate medical treatment reduces injury severity: Workplace injuries need rapid response. Having onsite medical staff ensures immediate treatment, prevents complications, and supports faster recovery - and in critical situations, save lives.

2. Efficient management of work-related injuries: Onsite teams manage workplace injuries and illnesses - from sprains to burns and chemical exposures - by assessing, treating and overseeing recovery. This streamlined care helps employees return to work safely and quickly, reducing lost workdays and operational delays.

3. Enhanced compliance with safety regulations and standards: Meeting local and international health and safety requirements becomes manageable through systematic record-keeping, regular audits, and staff training. This ensures compliance, avoids costly penalties, and creates demonstrably safer workplace environments.

4.  Proactive health risk identification: Onsite healthcare professionals can identify risks early through regular screenings and safety checks, helping prevent incidents and supporting long-term employee wellbeing.

5. Support for safety and health programmes: Medical staff support workplace safety by providing health education and training, ensuring preventive measures are effective and employees know how to protect themselves.

6. Accurate incident reporting and emergency response: Immediate, accurate reporting and rapid onsite response keep workers safe and operations running smoothly.

7. Comprehensive health services onsite:  Beyond injury treatment, onsite services encompass vaccination programs, occupational health assessments, chronic condition management, mental health support, and comprehensive wellness initiatives—addressing both physical and mental wellbeing.

8. Promotes a safe work environment: Onsite medical professionals identify hazards, educate staff and implement preventive measures, fostering a safety-focused culture and giving employees confidence in immediate expert care.

9. Cost savings through prevention and early care:  Strategic investment in onsite medical care reduces expenses by minimising hospital visits, decreasing absenteeism, and lowering workers' compensation claims. Early intervention prevents costly complications.

10. Builds trust between employers and workers: Prioritising employee health boosts engagement, loyalty, productivity, and trust. Onsite and remote medical services are vital in high-risk or remote industries like oil and gas, mining, construction, manufacturing and isolated NGO operations.

"Onsite medical services should represent a strategic focal point for businesses in 2026, future-proofing work environments while ensuring a well-supported, healthy, and resilient workforce," concludes Dr. van Straten.