Your Guide to First Aid Compliance and Safety in BC Workplaces
Employers are now responsible for ensuring that first aid is available to keep employees safe and respond effectively in case of injuries or health issues. Providing first aid in the workplace isn’t just a best practice—it’s also a legal requirement.
In British Columbia, amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulation relating to occupational first aid took effect on Nov. 1.
Here are five key steps that BC employers should follow to meet their first aid responsibilities.
Step 1: assess your workplace first aid needs
Assess your workplace’s specific first aid needs. This assessment involves looking at the type of work employees do, potential hazards, the number of employees, and distance from medical services. Based on this, employers can determine the level of first aid coverage required, including supplies, equipment, and trained personnel. For example, a high-risk job site may need more advanced first aid resources than a typical office.
Step 2: provide accessible first aid kits
Ensure that appropriate first aid kits are provided and easily accessible. The contents of these kits should reflect the needs identified in the initial assessment. Kits should be checked regularly to ensure they’re fully stocked and up to date. For example, an office might need a basic first aid kit, while a construction site may require a more comprehensive one with supplies for treating serious injuries.
Step 3: designate and train first aid attendants
Assign trained first aid attendants based on the number of employees and workplace risk level. In low-risk workplaces, basic first aid training may be sufficient, while higher-risk environments might need attendants with advanced training. Employers are responsible for ensuring attendants receive training from approved providers and that enough attendants are available during work hours to cover shifts and all work areas.
Step 4: set up a designated first aid station or room
For larger or higher-risk workplaces, employers may need to establish a dedicated first aid station or room. This area should be clean, private, and well-equipped for treating injuries. A designated space allows for a quiet and accessible area to treat injuries or medical issues without disrupting others. WorkSafeBC provides guidelines on the requirements for these spaces based on the risk and size of the workplace.
Step 5: keep records and report serious incidents
Employers are responsible for keeping records of any first aid treatments given, including details on the injury and response provided. These records should be kept in a secure location and used to monitor and improve safety procedures over time. Additionally, employers must report serious incidents to WorkSafeBC as required.
Following these five steps helps create a safer workplace by preparing to respond effectively in case of injury or illness. We are available to assist you to ensure you are in compliance with OHS.
The following links provide comprehensive information to help BC employers understand and fulfill first aid responsibilities:
1. WorkSafeBC – First Aid in the Workplace
WorkSafeBC’s guide on first aid requirements, covering employer responsibilities, training, and first aid kit standards.
WorkSafeBC: First Aid in the Workplace
2. Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR)
The official regulations governing workplace safety in BC, including sections specific to first aid requirements.
3. WorkSafeBC – Choosing a First Aid Training Provider
Information on selecting an approved training provider for first aid certification in BC.
Choosing a First Aid Training Provider
4. First Aid Assessment Worksheet by WorkSafeBC
A downloadable worksheet to help employers assess their first aid needs based on workforce size, hazards, and location.
First Aid Assessment Worksheet
5. WorkSafeBC – Employer Incident and First Aid Record Keeping
Guidance on documenting and reporting first aid incidents as part of an effective safety program.
Incident and First Aid Record Keeping
