In August 2003 the Board of Directors approved amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation pertaining to occupational first aid.

A public hearing on the proposed regulatory amendments was conducted between February 21, 2003 (date of notice) and April 10, 2003 (due date for written submissions). Oral hearings were conducted in Prince George on March 25, 2003 and in Richmond on March 27, 2003.

The amendments to Part 33 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation adopt performance-based requirements for first aid. Rather than specifying required control measures, the requirements obligate an employer to conduct an assessment of each workplace. The control measures employed as a result of the assessment must ensure that adequate and appropriate first aid equipment, supplies, facilities, attendants and services are provided for promptly rendering first aid and transporting injured workers for treatment.

The amendments also identify factors that must be considered when conducting the risk assessment. Specifically, an employer will be required to consider:

• the number of workers who may require first aid at any time;
• the nature and extent of the risks and hazards in the workplace, including whether or not the workplace as a whole creates a low risk of injury;
• the types of injuries likely to occur;
• any barriers to first aid being provided to an injured worker; and,
• the time that may be required to obtain transportation and transport an injured worker to a place where the worker may receive medical treatment.

Employers will be required to conduct an assessment on an annual basis and maintain written procedures for the provision of first aid at the worksite.

The proposed amendments came into force on March 30, 2004.