How Many First Aiders Are Required for a Workplace?

In New Zealand, there’s no single blanket rule that applies to every workplace. Instead, the number of first aiders required depends on your team size, the nature of your work, your workplace layout, and other risk factors.

When it comes to workplace safety, one question every employer should be able to answer is: “How many first aiders do I need?”

As a leader, you know that ensuring your team’s safety is about informed decisions that reflect your unique work environment. One of the most important components of workplace safety is having the right number of first aiders in place.

Understanding this is more than just a compliance exercise; it’s about ensuring your people have immediate access to life-saving help if the unexpected happens.

What Does New Zealand Law Say?

Under the Health and Safety at Work, PCBUs (Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking) must:

Consider factors such as the nature of work, workplace risks, the size and location of the workplace, and workforce composition when making these decisions.

• Provide adequate first aid equipment at the workplace,
• Ensure all workers have access to that equipment and to trained first aiders, and
• Consider factors such as the nature of work, workplace risks, the size and location of the workplace, and workforce composition when making these decisions.

WorkSafe NZ reinforces this requirement, noting that employers must provide their own trained first aiders or ensure access to other suitably trained individuals. Key considerations include the number of workers, the potential for serious injury, workplace layout, and distance to emergency services.

Factors to Determine the Right Number of First Aiders

1. Team Size

A general guideline is to have at least one trained first aider for every 10 employees. However, this is a starting point. The larger your workforce, the higher the likelihood that someone may require medical attention at any given time.

2. Work Environment

Consider the risks specific to your industry. High-risk workplaces—like construction sites, forestry, or manufacturing—should have more first aiders and may need team members trained in advanced techniques.

3. Shift Coverage

If your business runs multiple shifts, ensure there’s at least one first aider available during every shift—including nights, weekends, and public holidays.

4. Workplace Layout

Large premises or those spread across multiple buildings require strategically placed first aiders so help can reach every area quickly.

5. Location & Emergency Access

If you’re located far from medical facilities, increase first aid coverage and consider training staff in specialised emergency response skills.

First Aiders in the Workplace

Legislative Support and Ongoing Responsibility

By law, PCBUs must not only assess their first aid needs but also review them regularly, especially if the nature of work changes or new risks emerge.

Providing adequate first aid is more than legal compliance; it’s a commitment to your people’s wellbeing, resilience, and trust in the organisation.

Best Practice Recommendation

While these guidelines are a good starting point, every workplace is unique. Conduct a first aid needs assessment to determine exactly how many first aiders you need and what level of training they should have.

Having the right number of trained first aiders in the right places ensures you’re not only meeting your obligations but also creating a safer, more confident workforce.

At LifeCare, we’re experts in first aid training for all industries, delivering practical, engaging, and memorable sessions that prepare people to act when it matters most. Every year, we train over 35,000 first aiders across New Zealand, and our 4,000+ Google reviews speak for themselves. Whether you’re in an office, on a construction site, or in a remote location, our courses are designed to be relevant, fun, and effective, so your team leaves confident and ready to respond.

Join thousands of people who trust LifeCare for their first aid certification.