New First Aid requirements taking effect in BC

Starting Friday, WorkSafeBC regulation changes to first aid requirements will take effect, impacting employers across British Columbia. The revised standards align with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and aim to provide better emergency support, especially in high-risk and remote work settings. As Blake Steinson, founder and president of Fundamental First Aid, explains, “employers are required to have a new, written first aid assessment for each job site they manage, ensuring that they meet the latest regulations and are fully prepared for emergencies.”

Key changes taking effect

The new standards introduce comprehensive changes, from certification requirements to first aid drills and kit contents. Here are the primary changes:

1. Certification Levels: The former Level 1, 2, and 3 certifications have been updated to Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced, respectively. “This shift will affect employers with higher-risk operations,” notes Steinson. He highlights that employers may need to increase the level of certification for attendants on worksites, particularly for roles that demand advanced response capabilities.
2. First Aid Kits: All first aid kits must now comply with CSA standards and include enhanced contents. Kits will require personal protective equipment (PPE), standardized record-keeping tools, and, for advanced kits, oxygen therapy equipment.
3. Emergency Transportation: The updated regulations introduce performance-based standards for emergency transport, emphasizing flexibility. “In workplaces with less accessible areas, even if within city limits, employers might now need more advanced training and a transportation endorsement certificate for certain first aid attendants,” explains Steinson.
4. Annual Drills: Employers must conduct annual first aid drills, and whenever significant updates to procedures occur. Steinson points out, “this requirement ensures that employers can practice response protocols and adapt to any changes swiftly.”
5. “Less Accessible” Work Sites: For the first time, the regulations address areas within work sites that are difficult to reach. This designation, according to Steinson, applies to areas on construction sites or those with access challenges, like ladders or scaffolding. “This change means that construction companies in urban areas might need advanced first aid personnel on site—something that was not previously required,” he says.

Challenges employers may face

Adjusting to the new standards may present challenges, particularly for smaller businesses or those with worksites in remote locations. Steinson acknowledges that while larger companies with dedicated safety personnel are generally prepared, “many smaller employers are still unaware that these changes are coming.” This lack of awareness could lead to compliance issues if smaller businesses do not act swiftly to implement the necessary assessments and kit upgrades.

The updated regulations also demand a higher standard for certain job sites, potentially requiring companies to provide additional training. For example, first aid attendants who previously held only a basic certification might now need intermediate or advanced certification. “Construction companies are likely to feel this the most, especially those with multiple worksites that now qualify as less accessible,” Steinson explains.

Preparing for compliance

To support employers with the transition, Steinson’s company, Fundamental First Aid, has developed tools designed to make compliance easier. Their website offers a first aid requirement calculator to help employers determine the minimum first aid standards for their specific work site. “You can enter details like the number of workers and distance from an ambulance dispatch, and the calculator will show both previous and new requirements,” says Steinson.

Employers are urged to use the resources available, including the written first aid assessment checklist on the Fundamental First Aid website, to streamline their compliance efforts. “The main goal here is knowledge and preparation,” Steinson emphasizes. “Every employer must complete a new written assessment and ensure they have the right kits and training in place to meet the standards.”

With these changes going into effect November 1, employers are advised to review the WorkSafeBC guidelines and make any necessary updates without delay. For additional questions, WorkSafeBC’s Prevention Information Line remains available to support employers in navigating the requirements.