BC’s New First-Aid Rules for Employers

Employers have a duty to ensure they protect their employees from accidents and incidents in the workplace.  They also must ensure they have the right tools to manage an accident should a situation arise.  

The government of British Columbia (WorkSafeBC) has introduced amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (OHSR) pertaining to the provision of first aid in the workplace. These amendments intend to strengthen current requirements and harmonize Occupational First Aid in BC with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standards.  

Starting November 1, 2024, employers across British Columbia will need to adjust the following: 

• Workplace First Aid Assessments  
• First Aid Kit Equipment Requirements 
• First Aid Training 
• Emergency Transportation 

While many of these changes are revisions to current regulations, some are new and will require careful consideration from employers.  

What are the new employer requirements related to first aid kits, training, and first aid assessments? 

First aid assessments: 

• Employers must complete a written first aid assessment for each workplace. This will determine the appropriate level of first aid equipment, supplies, facilities, first aid attendants, services, and transportation.  
• These assessments must be conducted in consultation with workers (and reviewed by the Joint Health and Safety Committee or Health and Safety Representative.) 
• First Aid Assessments must be reviewed and updated annually, or whenever significant operational changes take place. 

First aid training: 

• First-Aid Training Standard has been modified to be aligned with First Aid Training by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). As a result, the duration for certain training programs have been reduced to 2-day training from 5-day training. Similarly, course content will be updated according to CSA standards. CSA-aligned First Aid Training should be available to workers and employers as of July 2024. 

First aid kits & equipment: 

• Kits & equipment content has been updated to align with CSA. This will require employers to purchase new required contents or for supplies to be replaced for either a personal first aid kit, a basic first aid kit (medium), an intermediate kit (medium), or an advanced first aid kit (intermediate first aid kit – which includes an oxygen kit). 

Emergency transportation: 

• It must be capable of safely transporting both a first aid attendant and the injured worker on a secured stretcher. 
• It must have an effective means of communication between the first-aid attendant and the operator of the transportation. 
• It must be designed and equipped to secure injured workers, protect from natural elements and dust, maintain normal body temperature, and allow adequate space for the first-aid attendant to provide treatment to the injured worker. 
• In cases where air transportation is the only method for transporting an injured worker, employers will be required to ensure that an appropriate aircraft is available when work is occurring. A stretcher must be available, and it must be suitable for providing treatment to the injured workers and compatible with the aircraft. 

Employer considerations for documenting first-aid risk assessments 

As you are conducting your first aid assessment in your workplace, OHS regulations (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, BC. Reg. 204/2023, sections 3.16(1)(a) and 3.16(1)(b)) require employers to review and assess the following:  

• The number of workers present in the workplace  
• The hazard rating 
• The Class of Workplace (this includes assessing both the remoteness and accessibility of the workplace)  

Additional factors to assess include:  

• The nature and extent of risks and hazards in the workplace  
• An assessment of the types of injuries likely to occur  
• An identification of barriers that could limit or delay the provision of first aid, whether specialized equipment is required for worker transportation and evacuation, and the time that may be required to obtain transportation and to transport the injured worker to a medical facility. 

When documenting their first-aid assessment, employers should consider the following: 

1. Compliance with Regulations: Ensure the assessment covers the factors outlined in sections 3.16(1)(a) and 3.16(1)(b), documenting both the minimum required first aid services and any additional services needed.  
2. Grouping Hazards: Employers can group hazards and document only those factors that necessitate extra supplies or equipment for prompt first aid or medical transport. 
3. Temporary and Mobile Work Locations: Consider how workers at temporary locations or those dispatched to various workplaces will receive first aid and be transported to medical care. This may involve coordinating with other employers or ensuring first-aid services are available at these locations. 
4. Task-Based Assessments: For workers performing similar tasks at multiple locations, a task-based first-aid assessment can be used. This should apply to tasks with similar risks and conditions and must be reviewed by health and safety representatives or committees. 
5. Template Documents: Employers can develop template assessment documents that workers can update with specific information for different workplaces. 

By following these considerations, employers can ensure their first-aid assessments are thorough, compliant, and adaptable to various work environments. 

Do you need help understanding your obligations under the amended OHSR for BC? 

Providing a safe place for your employees and others who may visit your business is your duty as an employer. Lack of compliance with these changes could result in high fines for non-compliance.  

Our team of expert consultants can help you draft, update, and review workplace safety company policies, as well as assist you with any HR, health & safety, and employee issues that may arise. Call us at 1 (833) 247-3652 today to learn more about how our services can benefit your business.