Starting Nov. 1, 2024, amendments to the B.C. Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR) relating to the provision of occupational first aid take effect.

WorkSafeBC is asking B.C. employers to take the necessary steps to ensure they meet the new occupational first aid requirements. These amendments will result in the first aid requirements for many workplaces changing, with the greatest impact on higher-risk and remote industries.

For nearly 20 years, first aid requirements in B.C. have remained largely unchanged. During that time, there have been improvements in both first aid training and equipment, as well as new standards from the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).

The purpose of the amendments is to strengthen the current requirements and to harmonize occupational first aid in B.C. with CSA standards. WorkSafeBC has also identified and addressed challenges related to appropriate emergency transport for injured workers in remote areas. These changes will improve occupational first aid provision for workers, resulting in better outcomes if injury or illness does occur.

The following key changes are taking place:

• First aid certification and training levels: First aid certification levels are being aligned with CSA standards. Level 1, 2, and 3 certificates and kits will become Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced, respectively.
• First aid kits: First aid kits will be required to meet CSA standards, with additional requirements specific to B.C. Kits will need to include personal protective equipment, first aid records, and, for “advanced” kits, oxygen therapy equipment.
• First aid assessments required by employers: Employers will be required to conduct and document a two-part first aid assessment for every workplace. As a result of this assessment, minimum levels of first aid may change for some workplaces and there may be new requirements for less accessible workplaces.
• Emergency transportation: The regulatory changes specify performance-based requirements that emergency transportation must meet, allowing for more flexibility in selecting alternative methods, such as air transportation. More workplaces will require first aid attendants to be trained with the skills and knowledge needed to prepare and transport injured or ill workers to medical aid.
• First aid drills: The new regulation requires employers to carry out drills every year and whenever there are substantial updates to procedures.

The requirement to provide first aid services appropriate to the workplace is a basic responsibility of all employers under the OHSR.

Employers should review these changes to ensure their occupational first aid programs are appropriate and compliant. These changes may require employers to obtain first aid training for their occupational first aid attendants, and new or different equipment, by Nov. 1, 2024.

More information about occupational first aid requirements and the changes is available on the First aid requirements webpage.