New First Aid Regulations (effective November 1, 2024)

The requirement to provide first aid services is a basic responsibility of employers. Over time, there have been improvements in first aid training, equipment as well as two new CSA standards that provide national guidance.

Image of a first aid kit
Why are first aid regulation changes needed?

Regulations are reviewed from time to time, or when improvements are needed to better protect workers. The first aid regulation has not been updated for almost 20 years! There have been many changes to worksites, and how work is done, that require re-assessing how employers keep their workers safe and respond without delay if needed. WorkSafeBC aligned the regulation with the CSA standard to be consistent with national standards.

WorkSafeBC's Backgrounder: Occupational first aid regulatory changes provides more detailed information.

What if I have my first aid certificate already? 

HEU members who are already trained as first aid attendants prior to November 1, 2024, will continue to provide first aid under their current certification until their certificate naturally expires.

I work in a private facility; can our nurses be first aid attendants?

The RN/RPN provision is an agreement between WorkSafeBC and the BC College of Nurses and Midwives.  It is NOT transferrable to other employers e.g. private facilities not operated by a BC Health Authority or industries.

An RN/RPN as a first aid attendant must be documented in their First Aid Program.  The Health Authority (or Providence Health Care) must state that the respective nurse has met all of the following requirements: 

  • Hold a valid Registered Nurse or Registered Psychiatric Nurse license from the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives
  • Reviewed and completed the jurisprudence package* or completed other training that covers the topics outlined in the jurisprudent package prior to commencing work
  • Completed a Basic Life Support course within the past 3 years

*The jurisprudence package will be updated prior to the November 1 enactment of the Regulation.

At the request of a WorkSafeBC prevention or certification officer, an employer must produce documentation verifying that the respective RN has met the requirements for license recognition. This may be in the form of a letter from a health authority or its delegate. 

How are the new training requirements different?

To align with the national CSA standard, the training now looks like this:

Update first aid training courses:

  1. Basic First Aid (1-day course), previously known as OFA 1
  2. Intermediate First Aid (2-day course), previously known as OFA 2
  3. Advanced First Aid (10-day course), previously known as OFA 3
What is the requirement for workers to participate in the first aid assessment? 

In accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, section 3.1, employers are required to undertake a new written first aid assessment, which must be prepared, reviewed and updated in consultation with the JOHSC (Use of the word must in the Regulation means the participation of workers is not optional)

Do all of the first aid supplies need to be replaced? 

No, first aid supplies do not need to be thrown away and replaced. First aid kits are to be checked, as usual, with additional supplies added and/or replaced as they are used in accordance with the new Regulation.

Why is a first aid drill important?

This is a new addition to the Regulation and is being addressed due the need to improve employers’ communication to staff about first aid. A First Aid drill must be conducted at least once per year to ensure the first aid procedures are effective and the staff involved are capable of fulfilling their roles and responsibilities. Employers should maintain drill records. 

WorkSafeBC's Guideline G17(4) contains detailed information for conducting drills. This may be useful for HEU JOHSC members.

Where can I find more information about the regulatory changes?

Here are some resources with more information:

Who can I ask if I have concerns or questions about my site?

Contact your OHS Representatives at the HEU Provincial Office by emailing: ohs@heu.org. We’re happy to help you with any questions or concerns you may have.