Amended first aid requirements came into effect on November 1, 2024
The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation outlines what employers in BC are responsible for with respect to the health and safety of their employees. On November 1st, a number of amendments to this Regulation came into effect, which we recap in this post.
As per the Regulation, these amendments apply to all employers, workers, and all other persons working in or contributing to the production of any industry within the scope of the OHS provisions of the Workers Compensation Act.
First aid assessments
In order to address the above, employers are required to conduct a first aid assessment of their workplace(s). This may result in changes to first aid certification requirements and first aid kits. You can download a workplace assessment worksheet from WorkSafeBC. These were required to be done by November 1st, 2024, and must be done annually thereafter.
First aid certification and kits
First aid certification levels are now aligned with CSA standards. This means that what was previously referred to as Levels 1, 2, and 3 first aid certificates and kits, will now be Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. Accordingly, first aid kits will need to meet CSA standards specific to BC. Kits will need to include personal protective equipment, first aid records, and, in the case of Advanced kits, oxygen therapy equipment. Further information is provided on the WorkSafeBC backgrounder and WorkSafeBC website.
Emergency transportation
There are new specifications related to preparing and transporting injured or ill workers, which in some workplaces (e.g., those that are more remote/less accessible), will require first aid attendants to have the skills and knowledge necessary to do so. Further information is provided on the WorkSafeBC backgrounder.
Fire drills
Employers are required to carry out fire drills annually, and whenever there are substantial procedural updates.
Employer checklist
While not all are amendments, following is an overview of requirements that BC employers are responsible for:
- Completing an annual first aid assessment
- Providing the required/updated first aid equipment, facilities, and supplies
- Ensuring all employees are aware of first aid services and procedures
- Ensuring adequate coverage of first aid attendants during regular working hours, including a back-up for when necessary
- Ensuring sufficient and updated training and certification for first aid attendants
- Conducting an annual first aid drill
Our HR Consultants can help you conduct a workplace assessment and ensure your workplace is compliant with the new regulations.