New B.C. occupational first aid requirements take effect

WorkSafeBC is reminding workers to take the necessary steps to ensure they meet the new occupational first aid requirements before this year ends.

Amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR) relating to the provision of occupational first aid take effect will take effect on Nov. 1. The purpose of the amendments is to strengthen the current requirements and to harmonize occupational first aid in B.C. with Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standards.

“These amendments will result in the first aid requirements for many workplaces changing, with the greatest impact on higher-risk and remote industries,” said WorkSafeBC.

The following key changes are taking place:

• 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 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• The new regulation requires employers to carry out drills every year and whenever there are substantial updates to procedures.

“Employers should review these changes to ensure their occupational first aid programs are appropriate and compliant,” said WorkSafeBC. “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.”