Ontario's First Aid Framework: Ensuring Compliance and Care
For businesses operating in Ontario, adhering to the province's specific first aid regulations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and Regulation 1101 is not just good practice – it's a legal obligation. These regulations are designed to ensure that workplaces are adequately prepared to provide immediate care to workers who become injured or ill on the job. At Ready 4 Everything Training and Supplies, we specialize in guiding Ontario businesses through these requirements, ensuring compliance, and fostering a robust culture of safety and care.
Ontario's Regulation 1101: The Cornerstone of Workplace First Aid
Regulation 1101, also known as the "First Aid Requirements" regulation, outlines the specific provisions for first aid services, equipment, and training in Ontario workplaces. It focuses on several key areas:
First Aid Attendants and Training Levels:
The number of first aid attendants and their required training level depends on the number of workers on any given shift and the nature of the workplace.
Basic First Aid (Emergency First Aid): For workplaces with 1 to 5 workers on any shift. This typically requires one trained first aid attendant.
Standard First Aid: For workplaces with 6 to 15 workers on any shift. This typically requires one trained first aid attendant with a Standard First Aid certificate.
Standard First Aid with First Aid Station/Room: For workplaces with 16 to 200 workers on any shift. This requires one trained attendant with Standard First Aid, and a designated first aid station or room.
Additional Attendants & First Aid Station/Room: For workplaces with more than 200 workers, more attendants are required, along with a first aid room equipped with specific items.
WSIB Approval: All first aid training courses and providers must be approved by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) to be recognized for compliance purposes.
Employer Responsibility for Costs: Employers are generally responsible for the costs of first aid training and recertification for their designated attendants.
First Aid Box/Kit Provisions:
Every workplace must have a first aid box or kit that meets the prescribed contents outlined in Regulation 1101. These contents are quite specific, detailing items like various sizes of bandages, gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, scissors, and medical tape.
Alternatively, workplaces can choose to meet the requirements of the CSA Standard Z1220-17 for workplace first aid kits, which often provides more comprehensive options (as discussed in Week 8).
Accessibility: Kits must be readily accessible to all workers and clearly marked.
Maintenance: Kits must be regularly inspected to ensure they are fully stocked and that contents are not expired.
First Aid Stations and Rooms:
For larger workplaces (over 15 employees, or over 5 for certain industries), a designated first aid station is required. For workplaces with more than 200 workers, a dedicated first aid room is needed, with specific equipment and supplies.
These facilities must be easily accessible, well-lit, and kept in a clean and sanitary condition.
Emergency Transportation:
Employers must make arrangements for the transportation of injured workers to a physician or hospital. This might involve having designated vehicles or clear protocols for calling emergency services.
Posting and Record Keeping:
Posting Requirements: The name of the first aid attendant(s), their training certificate, and the location of the first aid station/kit must be clearly posted in the workplace.
Record Keeping: Employers must keep a record of all injuries and illnesses that occur in the workplace, as well as the first aid provided. This documentation is crucial for WSIB claims, incident investigation, and demonstrating compliance during inspections.
Why Ontario's Framework Matters: A Commitment to Worker Safety
Ontario's first aid regulations are designed to:
Ensure Timely Care: By mandating specific attendant ratios and accessible equipment, the framework aims to ensure that immediate care is available when an incident occurs, reducing the severity of injuries.
Promote Accountability: Clear requirements for training, WSIB approval, and record-keeping hold employers accountable for worker safety.
Foster a Culture of Prevention: Comprehensive first aid programs encourage employers to review their hazards and take preventative measures, aligning with the broader goal of workplace safety.
Ready 4 Everything: Your Ontario Compliance Partner
Navigating Ontario's first aid requirements, especially for businesses with varying shifts, employee numbers, or multiple locations, can be challenging. At Ready 4 Everything Training and Supplies, we offer WSIB-approved first aid and CPR training programs that meet all of Ontario's regulatory standards. Our instructors deliver practical, engaging courses that prepare your team for real-world scenarios, building confidence and competence.
Beyond training, our online safety training management solutions are invaluable for Ontario businesses. This platform allows you to effortlessly track WSIB-approved certifications, manage first aid kit inventories according to Regulation 1101 or CSA standards, schedule refresher training, and maintain all necessary records. It streamlines your compliance efforts, giving you peace of mind and ensuring your workplace is always ready.
Your Action Item: Is your Ontario workplace fully compliant with Regulation 1101 and WSIB requirements? Ensure your team is properly trained and equipped. Sign up for online safety training management for your company today to streamline your safety programs and ensure robust compliance and care in your Ontario operations.
