WorkSafe BC First Aid Updates 2024

On November 1, 2024, WorkSafeBC updated its first aid requirements, impacting all BC employers. Employers are responsible for first aid in the workplace, ensuring injured workers receive prompt and appropriate treatment and, if needed, be transported to medical aid without delay. To determine the first aid needs of your workplace, first you'll need to do an assessment. Then, you can review the findings and take the necessary steps to put effective first aid procedures in place. Below are some of the key guideline changes.

What are the changes to the first aid courses and certificate names?

Alignment with CSA Z1210 - 17 affects course naming and course duration. The table below shows the current program names and duration along with the new 2024 program names and duration.

OFA 1  1 day (8 hours)  = Basic First Aid 1 day (8 hours) If you need this level, register for Emergency First Aid & CPR/AED Level C Blended

OFA 2  5 days (35 hours)  = Intermediate First Aid 2 days (16 hours) If you need this level, register for  Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C Blended

OFA 3  10 days (70 hours)  = Advanced First Aid 10 days (70 hours) Safe + Sound does not offer this level.

Where can I find the requirements for workplace first aid?

The occupational first aid requirements are listed in Schedule 3-A of the OHS Regulation and have been in place with minimal updates since the early 2000s.

What are the CSA standards for first aid?

The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) issues the following standards:

CSA Z1210 - 17 First aid training for the workplace - Curriculum and quality management for training agencies.
CSA Z1220-17 First aid kits for the workplace.

These standards provide national guidance on workplace first aid training programs and first aid kits.

What are the key amendments to the regulation?

Employers must:

1. Provide the supplies, facilities and first aid attendants required by Schedule 3-A.
2. Conduct a workplace risk assessment to determine any additional equipment, supplies, facilities, attendants, and services necessary to ensure injured workers can be quickly given first aid and transported for medical treatment.

What factors are considered when determining the minimum levels of first aid supplies, facilities and attendants required?

• Number of workers at the workplace.
• Hazard rating assigned to the industry.
• Whether the workplace is “remote,” i.e. more than 30 minutes surface travel time from an ambulance station.
• Whether the workplace is “less accessible” - meaning it can’t be safely accessed by ambulance, or that it includes one or more hazardous work areas that can’t be accessed by ambulance personnel.

How can I conduct a first aid assessment?

You can find guidelines for conducting a first aid assessment here.

What about first aid records and documents?

As an employer, you must maintain proper first aid records and documents. You're also responsible for determining who can access those records.

Your responsibility involves:

• Recording all reported or treated injuries and exposures that take place at your workplace.
• Keeping records and documents for at least three years.
• Limiting access to records and documents to only those with a need to review the records.

For more details on acceptable record-keeping and access, see OHS Guideline G3.19.

Which first aid certificates are accepted in BC?

Please follow this link:
WorkSafe BC - Certificates Accepted in BC

Note: Canadian Red Cross Standard First Aid is approved by WorkSafe BC as equivalent to Intermediate First Aid and WorkSafe BC will update this on their website soon.

Please check with your employer if you're unsure which course is right for you.

Private Group First Aid Training

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