HEALTH&SAFETY: How many people must there be on the 'shop floor' of a factory when there is machinery working?

Or, if applicable, even without machinery working?

If i am right, i think it's 3 people total (if one is injured, one calls for help and one stays with the injured)

Am i right?
Thanks :-)
I do not believe the H&SAW Act stipulates any quantity of people. However, an employer is bound to follow best practice and this would require a risk assessment to cover this scenario, which would undoubtedly show the need for at least two people. Lets face it you cannot legislate for every work place because they all present different risks and hazards. Additionally, there are more safety devices available these days that help reduce the need for safety people.
When I ran a factory I insisted on at least two people being in the work place but not necessarily the same workshop at all times (this was a medium sized factory). There would also be one foreman in.
hi there i think it is a minium of at least 2 people as uj say in case of accident i know when i worked night shift at a small factory there was always at least 2 of us there hope its of some help to you
You are correct.
as far as I'm aware its 2 people, best way is to contact citizen advice office, they will be able to help you, also go the health and safety website,all the best


Answer:
It's two, someone working always needs to be supervised. (in case of accident - e.g. they could blackout and noone would know.)

I think you are thinking of the health and saferty advise regarding if there is an accident, i.e. if someone is injured someone should stay with the person, talk with them etc. while someone elce goes for help.

In my place for example there has to be two people on nightshift, or one has to be check on every half hour.

Hope this helps.