WorkSafeBC First Aid Requirements (BC)

As of November 1, 2024, WorkSafeBC updated the Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Regulation for occupational first aid. Employers must ensure their workplace has the correct first aid services, attendants, equipment, supplies, facilities, and emergency transportation as determined by a written first aid assessment.

What Changed

• Amendments align BC first aid with CSA standards and clarify kit contents, facilities, and transport.
• Requirements depend on a written first aid assessment for each workplace.

See: WorkSafeBC announcement.

How to Determine Your Requirements

1. Do a written first aid assessment for each location/shift.
2. Consider: number of workers, hazard rating, remoteness/response time, and any unique risks.
3. Use the results to identify the minimum services, attendants, equipment, supplies, facilities, and transport per Schedule 3-A.

Tools & forms: First Aid Assessment Worksheet (PDF/Online)  |  First Aid Requirements overview.

First Aid Kits (Types & Contents)

WorkSafeBC identifies four kit types with minimum recommended contents:

• Personal kit
• Basic kit
• Intermediate kit
• Advanced kit

Download the official equipment/supplies information sheet for the full contents list: First aid equipment, supplies, and facilities (Info Sheet, Oct 2024).

Attendants & Training

• Attendant level (basic/intermediate/advanced) and numbers are determined by the assessment and Schedule 3-A.
• Attendants must hold WorkSafeBC-approved certification and be present on required shifts.

See: OHS Regulation Part 3 (Schedule 3-A).

Facilities & Equipment

• Dressing stations or First aid rooms may be required depending on worker count, risk, and remoteness.
• First aid kits must be clean, accessible, and regularly inspected/restocked.

Details: Supplies, equipment & facilities.

Emergency Transportation (ETV) & Remote Worksites

• Where required by the assessment/Schedule 3-A, provide an Emergency Transport Vehicle (ETV) or equivalent means.
• ETV must protect patients from the elements, allow safe care during movement, have internal/external communications, and meet design guidelines (e.g., ~1 m headroom).

See guidance: OHS Guidelines Part 3 (G3.16).

Recordkeeping & Procedures

• Maintain written first aid procedures and conduct regular drills.
• Record all injuries/treatments and retain records as required by regulation.

Key Links

• First Aid Requirements (overview)
• First Aid Assessment Worksheet (PDF/Online)
• Equipment, Supplies & Facilities (Info Sheet, Oct 2024)
• OHS Regulation Part 3 (includes Schedule 3-A)
• OHS Guidelines Part 3 (G3.16)