Provide First Aid

What is a First Aid Policy?

The First Aid Policy outlines the steps taken when someone suffers an occupational injury or illness.

An occupational injury is a work-related injury suffered by a worker. It’s considered “work-related” if anything in the work environment caused or contributed to the condition, or aggravated a pre-existing condition (for example, throwing out your back while lifting a heavy box). This includes psychological trauma (for example, anxiety disorder).

An occupational illness is a disease, condition, or ill health directly caused by work (for example, respiratory disease).

Requirements for first aid training

Every business should have at least one trained first aid attendant. Attendants must be at least 16 years old and update their training every three years. WorkSafeBC has a list of accredited providers you can use for training.

First aid written procedures

 Write down your business’s first aid procedures and practice them every year. The written procedures should include:

• Your workplace’s first aid equipment, facilities, first aid attendants, and services
• How to access first aid
• Procedures for first aid attendants who need to leave their primary duties to perform first aid
• Confirmation that the first aid attendant has authority to treat injured or ill workers
• Your responsibility, as employer, to report any work-related injuries to your Board of Directors
• The contact details of the person who is responsible for arranging transportation of the injured or ill worker

First aid supplies and equipment

Whether you have one worksite or a hundred, you need to have first aid services and maintain first aid equipment and supplies at each location.

You might be asking, How do I know which types of services and equipment I need at each job site? Luckily, WorkSafeBC offers a First Aid Assessment Worksheet that can help.

Essentially, you’ll assess each worksite’s hazard and risk level (i.e. high, medium, low), including proximity to nearby medical treatment or BC Ambulance Station, and the number of workers. The greater the risk, the more first aid service and supplies will be needed. Repeat this assessment every year, or if your risk level changes. WorkSafeBC’s Hazard Ratings will help you pinpoint your business’s hazard and risk level.

First aid treatment

 Your first aid attendants can provide immediate treatment to a worker who is injured or ill. However, they can only do so if the injury falls within their scope of qualifications. If not, the first aid attendant should call 9-1-1.

Your business should have protocols and procedures for treating injured or ill workers. Make sure the first aid attendants, as well as your workers, are familiar with these protocols so they feel confident providing or seeking first aid when necessary.

Reporting and confidentiality

Any occupational injuries or illness should be documented and reported to the first aid attendant, the manager, and your business’s health and safety department. These documents must be kept on file for three years.

Confidentiality of first aid information is legally required. Anyone with access to these files should keep the information restricted.

First aid is an important part of your business, providing your workers with peace of mind while safeguarding your workplace against severe injuries or illnesses. With a plan in place, you’ll be able to address any injuries or illnesses with confidence and efficiency.

For more information:

• Understanding the Changes to First Aid Requirements(go2HR)
• New First Aid Regulations Webinar Series (go2HR)
• Presentation Slide Deck (go2HR)
• First Aid Assessment Worksheet (WorkSafeBC)
  • Example Assessment for “Lonnie’s Hotel”
• BCEHS Station Map (go2HR)
• Workplace Hazard Ratings (WorkSafeBC)
• Minimum First Aid Requirements (WorkSafeBC)
• Key Considerations for Multiple First Aid Attendants (go2HR)
• First Aid Equipment, Supplies, and Facilities (WorkSafeBC)
• Key Considerations for First Aid Drills & Training (go2HR)
• First Aid Drill Example (go2HR)
• Group Training Log Template (go2HR)
• First Aid Training Providers (WorkSafeBC)
• OHSR 3.14 – 3.21, Occupational First Aid(WorkSafeBC)
• OHSR, Schedule 3-A, Minimum Levels of First Aid Training & Supplies(WorkSafeBC)