New first aid requirements are taking effect November 1st.
Provincially regulated employers in BC must prepare for new first aid rules taking effect on November 1st, 2024. As an employer, you need to review and update your first aid practices now – you’re legally obligated!
New and Improved First Aid Rules
For almost 20 years, first aid rules in BC haven’t changed much. But now, with better training, equipment, and new Canadian standards, it’s time for an update.
The recent changes will:
- Make first aid rules stronger.
- Align B.C.’s rules with the latest Canadian standards.
- Improve emergency transport for workers in remote areas.
These updates will help ensure better care if someone gets injured or sick at work.
How does this impact you as a BC employer? Let’s dive into it!
Changes to Occupational First Aid That You Need to Know
Here are the main updates coming soon:
1. First Aid Certification and Training Levels
First aid certification levels are being aligned with CSA standards. The new naming:
- Level 1 becomes Basic
- Level 2 becomes Intermediate
- Level 3 becomes Advanced
2. First Aid Kits
First aid kits must follow Canadian standards and include specific items for BC. They need to have personal protective equipment, first aid records, and, for “advanced” kits, oxygen therapy equipment.
3. First Aid Assessment
Employers must conduct and record a two-part first aid assessment for each workplace. This may change the minimum first aid requirements for some places and add new rules for hard-to-reach locations. The two-part first aid assessment is as follows:
- Determine the minimum levels of first aid based on 4 criteria:
- The maximum number of workers present at your workplace,
- The hazard rating assigned to your workplace (low, moderate, or high),
- The distance from your workplace to the nearest BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) ambulance station, and
- Whether your workplace and all areas within it are accessible to BCEHS ambulance personnel.
- Fully evaluate the circumstances unique to your workplace to determine any additional first aid equipment, supplies, facilities, attendants, and services necessary to ensure compliance with this regulation.
- Your first aid assessment must be conducted in consultation with your joint health and safety committee / representative if you have one in your workplace. If you don’t have a committee or representative, you should still involve employees when you do your assessment.
4. Emergency Transportation
The new rules allow more options like air transport. More workplaces will need first aid attendants trained to handle, and transport injured or ill workers to medical help.
5. First Aid Drills
Employers must conduct first aid drills every year and when there are major updates to procedures.
Your Responsibility as a BC Employer
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR), employers must provide suitable first aid services for their workplace. This ensures employees receive timely and effective care in case of injuries or emergencies, helping to maintain a safe and compliant work environment. Check out the updated OHSR changes and draft guidelines for more information regarding implementation.
Additional Resources
- Occupational first aid regulatory changes
- Changes to occupational first aid requirements: Frequently asked questions
- OHS Guidelines for Part 3 — Occupational First Aid (preliminary draft)
- First aid requirements
- Work Safe BC
Questions about your obligations? Book some time with our team of specialists today!
Not sure where to start in conducting your assessment? Download our free BC First Aid Assessment Guide to get started!