First aid assessment

As an employer, you may have more than one workplace, and each separate workplace may have different numbers of workers and need its own assessment.

Consider the following factors when determining if an area or building is part of a single workplace or may be considered a separate workplace for the purpose of establishing first aid requirements.

Factors supporting a single workplace:

• Fixed work locations under the control of a single employer
• Multiple employer workplaces where a prime contractor has been established

Factors supporting separate workplaces:

• Locations leased by one employer that are part of a larger property leased to others
• Locations controlled by one employer that are separated by locations controlled by other employers
• Locations of one employer that are more than 10 minutes apart from each other, or where physical barriers might prevent a first aid attendant from reaching an injured worker in less than 10 minutes (note that this factor should not be used to decrease minimum first aid requirements in high-risk remote industries, such as forestry, where workers work in small groups over large areas)
• A public roadway separates locations of one employer from each other in an urban area
• Locations under separate administrative structures, controlled by one employer

Work activities can be considered typical of your assigned CU if they are generally consistent with work done in the industry — even if they are not the primary business activities.

Employers should consider using the hazard rating associated with an alternative classification unit only under the following circumstances:

• Where the work being performed at a separate workplace is not generally consistent with work described in the employer’s classification unit description (e.g., small retail store performing renovation activities)
• Where activities in support of the main business activity are conducted at a separate workplace and pose a greater risk to workers than the main business activity (e.g., warehouse/distribution location of a large retail employer)
• Where the work involves phases of different activities (e.g., large construction projects)
• Where a large employer has a variety of functional groups operating at separate workplaces (e.g., school districts, utility providers)