The First Aid requirements in BC have been updated to better align with Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and to improve workplace safety by ensuring workers receive prompt and effective first aid, when needed. Starting on November 1st, 2024 these changes will come into effect. Workforce Compliance Safety would be happy to assist your company with a First Aid policy that reflects these changes. Call us at 888-434-0411 or check out our services.
A video from WorkSafeBC describes the changes.
The key changes to the BC First Aid requirements include:
Training is Aligning with the Canadian Standards Association
- First Aid certifications levels are now basic (previously known as OFA1), intermediate (OFA2), and advanced (OFA3). This wording change is to align with the CSA.
- If employees hold a current first aid certificate under the previous requirements, they may continue to use this until the expiration date. Once it expires then they will need the new training.
- Intermediate training (previously level 2) will increase from 2 days to 5 days.
First Aid Kit Requirements
- Employers will need to reassess what is needed for first aid kits and refer to OHS regulations for the new requirements. You will need to meet these new requirements if there are major gaps in current kits, when new kits are purchased, or when supplies are replaced.
- The new kits are now titled Personal first aid kit (Type 1: Personal first aid kit), Basic kit (Type 2: Basic first aid kit – Medium), Intermediate kit (Type 3: Intermediate first aid kit – Medium), and Advanced first aid kit (Type 3: Intermediate first aid kit — medium, includes oxygen kit)
First Aid Assessments and Drills
- Employers (with worker participation) are required to complete a written first aid assessment for every workplace taking into account number of workers, the hazard rating of the industry, and whether the workplace is remote or less accessible. You can find the worksheet here. These assessments consider several factors and will be a guide to first aid supplies, facilities, and training requirements.
- Employers now must conduct annual drills to test first aid procedures.
Other Changes
- Your company may require more first aid attendants to complete the one-day transportation endorsement course.
- Employers will have more freedom to choose the appropriate transportation method for emergencies.
