How many workplace first aiders does a company need?

Who must provide first aiders at all?

Under DGUV Regulation 1 (Section 26) every employer must ensure effective first aid and provide a sufficient number of trained first aiders. The legal basis is the Occupational Safety and Health Act together with DGUV Regulation 1 of the accident insurance institutions.

A company with only one employee does not need a trained first aider but must still keep first-aid material and an emergency notice on hand. From two employees present onward, the first-aider obligation applies.

How many first aiders are actually required?

From two to 20 employees present, one first aider is enough. Above 20 employees a percentage quota applies that depends on the risk: 5 % in administrative and retail businesses, 10 % in other operations such as production, trades or warehousing.

Example: a production company with 60 employees present needs 10 %, that is six first aiders. An office with 60 employees manages with 5 %, that is three first aiders. Intermediate values are always rounded up.

Training and refreshers - which deadlines apply?

The initial first-aider course comprises nine teaching units of 45 minutes each and is delivered by a body authorised by the accident insurance institution. Regular refresher training is then mandatory.

• Initial training: 9 teaching units (first-aid course).
• Refresher: 9 teaching units, at least every 2 years.
• If the 2-year interval is exceeded, a full initial course is usually required again.
• Costs are covered by the accident insurance institution if the training provider is authorised.
• Attendance counts as working time and is covered by statutory accident insurance.

Frequently asked questions