WorkSafeBC is calling on British Columbia employers to prepare for updated occupational first aid requirements that will take effect on Nov. 1, 2024. The changes, which modify the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR), are expected to impact high-risk and remote workplaces the most.
Under the new rules, employers will need to ensure their first aid protocols align with recent Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standards. These amendments mark the first major overhaul of first aid regulations in nearly 20 years, according to WorkSafeBC.
“First aid requirements in B.C. have remained largely unchanged for almost two decades,” stated WorkSafeBC. “During that time, there have been significant advancements in training, equipment, and standards.” The organization said the updated regulations aim to improve outcomes for workers in the event of injury or illness by providing better emergency response and transport options, particularly in remote areas.
The new guidelines introduce a range of changes, including updated certification levels for first aid providers, enhancements to first aid kits, and requirements for emergency transportation and annual first aid drills. Employers will now be required to align their training with three levels of first aid certification—Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced—which replace the previous Level 1, 2, and 3 designations.
First aid kits must also meet CSA standards, with specific additions for workplaces in B.C. Kits designated as “advanced” will now need to include oxygen therapy equipment. WorkSafeBC has emphasized that employers must conduct and document a two-part first aid assessment to determine the appropriate level of first aid for each workplace. This assessment could lead to new minimum requirements for less accessible or higher-risk environments.
Another key change is the introduction of performance-based criteria for emergency transportation. Employers in remote locations will now have greater flexibility in choosing alternative transportation methods, such as air transport, to move injured workers to medical facilities.
To ensure readiness, the regulation also mandates that employers perform first aid drills annually, as well as any time there are substantial updates to emergency procedures.
WorkSafeBC encourages employers to review these changes and adjust their first aid programs as necessary to meet compliance by the November deadline. For further information, employers can consult the draft OHS guidelines and other resources on WorkSafeBC’s website or contact their Prevention Information Line.
These new requirements underscore the evolving landscape of occupational health and safety in British Columbia and highlight the responsibilities of employers to protect their workforce in various settings, particularly in sectors that face higher risks or are located in hard-to-reach areas.