According to Regulation 1101, all workplaces in Ontario covered by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (WSIA) must provide first aid training to their employees. The required training depends on the number of people working per shift at a workplace: For workplaces with five or fewer people working on any one shift, at least one must have an emergency first aid certificate. This program is 6.5 hours long and is offered by organizations across the province. For workplaces with six or more people working on any shift, at least one must have a standard first aid certificate. This program is 13 hours long and is offered by organizations across the province.

There is no required ratio of trained first aiders to total employees under Regulation 1101. Workplaces must have at least one person on site at all times who has a valid first aid certificate (according to the number of people working per shift). It is a best practice for businesses to assess their workplace to determine how many first aiders they need based on things like the size and layout of the workplace. For example, a first aider should be able to reach an injured person within two minutes. All employees, regardless of their employment status, must be given first aid treatment when they need it.

Most first aid certificates are valid for a maximum of three years. Training providers may set a higher standard and issue their certificates with a two-year validation period. Before your certificate expires you will need to complete the training again to maintain your certification. You can renew your standard first aid certificate one time by completing a one-day standard first aid renewal course with the original provider before your original certificate expires. The new certificate will state “renewal” on it. If you have already renewed your standard first aid certificate once, you will need to earn a new certificate from an approved provider when your renewed certificate expires.

Yes. Businesses are required to cover the cost of first aid training and supplies. This includes covering wage costs for an employee’s time while they are completing an approved first aid training program.

No, CPR training is not the same as first aid training. There is a CPR component to first aid training recognized by the WSIB. Any of the following, when taken as part of an approved emergency first aid or standard first aid program, would meet the requirements for the CPR component in Regulation 1101: • CPR A: includes CPR techniques for adults only. • CPR B: includes CPR techniques for adults and children. • CPR C: includes CPR techniques for adults, children and infants. • CPR-HCP (Healthcare provider): covers all aspects of CPR skills and theory for adult, child and infant victims, including rescue breathing (artificial respiration) and the use of AEDs and bag-valve-masks (BVM).

First aid kits should be part of a first aid station. You should place first aid stations strategically throughout your workplace. Your first aid stations should include: a first aid kit the “In Case of Injury” poster, a first aid inspection card and a list of the first aiders in that area

• When you have multiple buildings, you should treat each building as an individual workplace. All vehicles used for work purposes, including personal vehicles, should also have a first aid kit and supplies. • There is no ratio of first aid kits to employees. You need to make sure that first aid kits are easily accessible so that people can reach or access a first aid kit quickly. • A first aid kit should be portable and should NOT be kept in a locked cabinet, drawer or room. It should be in an area where it is visible or marked with a sign identifying its location. • What contents are required in first aid kits? You can find the list of required items in Sections 8 to 13 of Regulation 1101. The list is different depending on the size of the workforce. • You should also include a pocket mask or other barrier device and multiple pairs of non-latex gloves in your first aid kit.

In Ontario, most workplaces with 20 or more workers must have a joint health and safety committee (JHSC), made up of at least one worker and one employer member. The committee's primary role is to identify workplace health and safety issues and bring them to the attention of the employer. Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, at least one worker and one employer on a JHSC must be certified. JHSC members who successfully complete all parts of an approved training program are eligible to be certified by the Chief Prevention Officer.

If an employer fails to provide the required first aid and CPR training to their employees, they may be in violation of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations in their province or territory. The consequences of non-compliance may vary depending on the severity of the violation and the specific regulations in place in the jurisdiction. However, in general, non-compliance with OHS regulations can lead to penalties, fines, or even criminal charges. In some cases, a workplace inspection may be conducted by the relevant government agency, such as the Ministry of Labour, to ensure that the employer is in compliance with OHS regulations. If the inspection reveals that the employer is not providing adequate first aid and CPR training, the employer may be issued a compliance order requiring them to take corrective action. Failure to comply with a compliance order can result in further penalties or legal action. It's important for employers to prioritize the safety of their employees by ensuring that they receive the necessary training and resources to provide first aid and respond to emergencies in the workplace. Not only is this required by law, but it can also help prevent accidents and injuries, which can have a significant impact on the well-being of employees and the financial health of the business.