Understand the Changes to First Aid Regulatory Requirements

WorkSafeBC has updated the OHS Regulatory requirements related to workplace first aid, taking effect November 1, 2024. The information below is a general overview of the changes and should be implemented into workplace first aid programs as soon as practicable.

Overview of the Regulatory Changes 

The changes place a greater emphasis on high-risk, remote workplaces, and are intended to harmonize the Regulation with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). Employers will need to transition their current first aid program to meet these new requirements, including the following key considerations:

First Aid Assessments:

• • Assessments must be written/documented and reviewed/updated annually, or whenever a significant operational change occurs.
  • They must be prepared, reviewed, and updated in consultation with the JHSC or worker health & safety representative.
  • Assessments are two-part: first, to identify the minimum first aid requirements, and second, to evaluate workplace-specific factors and determine any additional needs to adequately serve potential workplace injuries.

Workplace Classifications (replacement of Schedule 3-A):

• • Class 1: a workplace that is not remote or less accessible.
  • Class 2: a workplace that is remote but not less accessible.
  • Class 3: a workplace that is less accessible but not remote.
  • Class 4: a workplace that is both remote and less accessible.
  • “Remoteness” is defined by whether, under normal travel conditions, an ambulance (a motor vehicle) can reach the workplace from its base within 30 minutes.
  • “Accessibility” is defined by whether there are areas that ambulance personnel cannot safely access due to accessibility factors like rough terrain, steep slopes, natural hazards, or specialized equipment requirements. It also includes hazardous work areas like confined spaces, excavations, or those requiring specialized PPE, where BCEHS will generally not provide rescue or emergency services.

First Aid Procedural Considerations:

• • Procedures are to include available services, supplies, equipment, facilities, and attendants, coordination of multiple attendants including lead roles, transfer of care, and injury response, as well as instructions for workers to summon first aid and access supplies, among other necessary details.
  • First aid kit contents and first aid training curriculums must meet CSA standards (first aid kits: Z1220-17 and first aid training: Z1210-17).

First Aid Drills:

• • Drills must be conducted annually to ensure the procedures are effective and workers and attendants can fulfill their duties as per the procedure.

Emergency Transportation (where necessary according to Schedule 3-A):

• • Specific requirements to provide emergency transportation from the worksite to medical services, if an ambulance cannot safely reach the workplace within 30 minutes
  • The transportation must have effective communication protocols between the driver, first aid attendant, and BCEHS.
  • The Emergency Transport Vehicle (ETV) should secure the injured worker, protect against natural elements and dust, maintain normal body temperature, and provide sufficient space for the first aid attendant to administer care during transport.

Dressing Stations, First Aid Rooms, and Overnight Care:

• • Dressing stations and first aid rooms should be as close as possible to work areas, kept clean, equipped with a sink providing warm and cold potable water, clearly signed, and large enough to accommodate the injured worker, attendant, and necessary equipment.
  • Overnight care facilities are required for locations that require a first aid room and where under normal travel conditions, hospitals are further than 2 hours away.

What do I do with this information?

Employers are encouraged to start by doing First Aid Assessment(s) that will guide the rest of the update process. Once the assessment(s) are completed, amend the first aid procedures, inspect and update first aid kit contents and locations, and train workers and first aid attendants on the new procedures. Lastly, once all the changes are in place, conduct a first aid drill to test your new first aid program implementation.

Feel free to use go2HR’s First Aid Implementation Action Plan to assign responsibilities and track task completion.

How can go2HR help me?

To assist employers with these new requirements, go2HR has a variety of support options available. Explore them below or get in touch with any questions.

First Aid Consultations:

• • We offer one-on-one consultations with one of our Health and Safety Specialists, setting you up for success in tackling the first aid regulatory changes.
  • Click here to request a consultation

First Aid Documentation Review Service:

• • We offer a review service for your first aid documentation including first aid assessments, procedures, and drill plans, providing feedback on how to meet and exceed regulatory compliance.
  • Click here to upload your docs and request a review

First Aid Drill Planning:

• • We offer planning assistance for first aid drills – a new requirement within the regulatory changes. Whether its pre or post drill, we can provide guidance and feedback on what to include in your drill and how to address any deficiencies identified in your drill debrief.
  • Click here to request a drill planning session

Online Resources:

• • We held a 3-part first aid webinar series, exploring the key changes to the workplace first aid requirements. Each webinar recording is accompanied by a variety of resources to assist you in implementing the changes.
  • Click here to watch the recordings and access the online resources

For further insights to the changes, consider exploring WorkSafeBC’s Workplace First Aid Webpage.

go2HR is the Human Resources and Health & Safety Association for BC’s tourism and hospitality industry. Our role is to drive strong workforces and safe workplaces that deliver world-class tourism and hospitality experiences in British Columbia.