WORKSAFEBC is reminding employers to prepare for changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR) related to occupational first aid, which take effect on November 1.
Under the OHSR, employers are responsible for ensuring workers receive prompt, easily accessible, and appropriate first aid treatment. The new amendment will impact first aid requirements across many workplaces, particularly for those that have areas that are not accessible to BC Emergency Health Services or are remote.
To comply by November 1, employers need to review these changes and ensure their occupational first aid programs align with the updated standards. This may require additional first aid training for attendants and acquiring new or different equipment.
Strengthening requirements
For nearly 20 years, occupational first aid requirements in B.C. have remained largely unchanged. Throughout this period, there have been advancements in first aid training and equipment, alongside new guidelines introduced by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).
The aim of the amendments to the OHSR is to enhance existing requirements and align occupational first aid in B.C. with CSA standards. WorkSafeBC has also recognized challenges concerning suitable emergency transport for injured workers in remote locations.
These adjustments will enhance workplace first aid services, leading to improved outcomes in cases of injury or illness.
Occupational first aid changes
The following key changes are taking place:
- First aid certification and training levels:Â First aid certification levels are being aligned with CSA standards. Level 1, 2, and 3 certificates and kits will become Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced, respectively.
- First aid kits:Â First aid kits will be required to meet CSA standards, with additional requirements specific to B.C. Kits will need to include personal protective equipment, first aid records, and, for “advanced” kits, oxygen therapy equipment.
- First aid assessments required by employers:Â Employers will be required to conduct and document a two-part first aid assessment for every workplace. As a result of this assessment, minimum levels of first aid may change for some workplaces and there may be new requirements for less accessible workplaces.
- Emergency transportation:Â The regulatory changes specify performance-based requirements that emergency transportation must meet, allowing for more flexibility in selecting alternative methods, such as air transportation. More workplaces will require first aid attendants to be trained with the skills and knowledge needed to prepare and transport injured or ill workers to medical aid.
- First aid drills:Â The new regulation requires employers to carry out drills every year and whenever there are substantial updates to procedures.
More information & resources
More information about occupational first aid requirements is available on WorkSafeBC’s First aid requirements webpage.
To support employers in understanding and complying with the new requirements, draft OHS guidelines have been also posted on the WorkSafeBC website.
Employers with questions about the new requirements can call WorkSafeBC’s Prevention Information Line at 1-888-621-7233.
- Backgrounder:Â Occupational first aid regulatory changes
- Changes to occupational first aid requirements: Frequently asked questions
- OHS Guidelines for Part 3 — Occupational First Aid (preliminary draft)
- First aid requirements
- Video:Â Workplace First Aid Requirements: OHS Regulation Changes | WorkSafeBC