How many emergency responders must we have onsite?

OSHA does not provide any guidance on what would constitute an adequate number of responders based on the size of the workforce, type of industry, footprint of the facility, etc. In this case, employers should employ a common sense approach. As such, an employer must have a sufficient number of individuals to cover all shifts at all times taking into account vacations, absences from the facility, and so on. Also consider response times and the size of the facility. If it is a larger layout, and an employer needs to comply with the 3 to 4 minute response time that OSHA requires, several “teams” based at various locations within the facility may be necessary.

Also, an employer may find it useful to consult their medical professional or outside first responders to determine how many responders would be adequate.