For nearly 20 years, first aid requirements in B.C. were largely unchanged. But during that time, there were advances in both first aid training and equipment, as well as new standards from the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). And WorkSafeBC identified a need to enhance employers’ capacity to rescue and transport injured workers in remote and/or less-accessible locations.

By Tanya Colledge

In response, WorkSafeBC has made changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation relating to first aid. The amendments to Part 3 of the Regulation took effect November 1, 2024. As a result, the first aid requirements for workplaces have changed.

Lets look at a key part of what all employers must do to meet the new first aid requirements.

New tools help employers assess first aid requirements

Employers must now perform a written first aid assessment for each workplace, in consultation with workers, to determine necessary first aid equipment, supplies, facilities, and services.

Our new first aid assessment tools are designed to help employers determine the minimum and additional first aid requirements needed for each workplace. The tools set out the following steps:

1. Determine the number of workers per shift.
   First aid coverage should be based on the total workforce present at each workplace. Be sure to count every worker at your worksite for the shift you’re assessing, including dispatched workers, managers, and supervisors. If you have multiple workplaces, you may need to complete an assessment for each location.
2. Determine your hazard rating.
   WorkSafeBC assigns hazard ratings to each classification unit (CU). These ratings reflect the nature and extent of the hazards and risks typically encountered at worksites in each CU. There are three levels of hazard ratings: low, moderate, and high. You can find your rating on the CU description included with your assessment rate letter every year, or you can look it up online.
3. Determine if your workplace is remote and/or less accessible.
   A “remote” workplace is more than 30 minutes surface travel time from the nearest BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) ambulance station. A “less accessible” workplace can’t be safely accessed by a BCEHS ambulance, or has work areas that BCEHS ambulance attendants can’t safely access.
4. Determine your workplace class.
   Based on your answers about remoteness and accessibility, your workplace will fall into one of four workplace classes.
5. Document your minimum first aid requirements.
   Once you’ve determined the maximum number of workers at your workplace, your hazard rating, and your workplace class, you’ll be able to refer to a table in the Regulation to determine your minimum first aid requirements. These include the size of first aid kit, any first aid facilities required, the number and level of first aid attendants, and if any emergency transportation is required on site.
6. Determine and document any additional first aid requirements.
   Finally, you’ll need to consider and document any additional factors that may affect your ability to promptly provide workers with first aid or transportation to medical treatment, as well as how you’ll address those factors. These factors may include hazards and risks unique to your workplace or not typical of your CU, barriers that could limit or delay access to first aid, and so on.

Review your assessment annually or when there is a significant change in your operations.

A good first aid assessment doesn’t need to be complicated. But it must be done in consultation with your workers and be an accurate reflection of the first aid needs of your workplace.

Minimum levels of first aid are set out in Schedule 3-A of the Regulation. Additional resources, including equipment lists and frequently asked questions, can be found on our First aid requirements webpage.

This information originally appeared in the Winter 2024 issue of WorkSafe Magazine. To read more or to subscribe, visit WorkSafe Magazine.

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