Introduction
When a worker is injured or falls sick in the workplace, employers are responsible for providing first aid to ensure that the injured worker receives prompt and appropriate treatment and, if needed, be transported to receive medical attention without delay.
From November 1, 2024 employers in the BC province of Canada are required to adopt new amendments to the occupational health and safety regulations related the provision of first aid to workers.
The objectives of the change
The purpose of the amendments is to strengthen the current requirements with a focus on improving first aid coverage for workers in high-risk remote industries. It is also driven by the need to harmonize the current OHS Regulation provisions with the first aid training and first aid kits framework in the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Z1210-17 and CSA Z1220-17.
Key changes
Among several changes, the key ones are:
- First aid certification levels 1, 2 and 3 nomenclature will change to basic, intermediate and advanced respectively with adjustments to the training instruction duration.
- Employers must conduct and document a first aid assessment of the workplace to determine the appropriate supplies, facilities and first aid attendants. This assessment must be reviewed annually or when a significant change occurs in the company’s operations
- Employers must conduct annual first aid drills to test the effectiveness of first aid procedures
Schedule 3-A of the OHS regulation has also been amended to consider four workplace characteristics 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” — meaning it is more than 30 minutes surface travel time from the nearest BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) ambulance station
- Whether the workplace is “less accessible” — meaning it cannot be safely accessed by BCEHS ambulance, or that it includes one or more hazardous work areas that cannot be safely accessed by BCEHS ambulance personnel
Workplaces that should be considered less accessible include:
- Backcountry areas that are only accessible by ATV, snowmobile, or similar means
- Areas where the only means of access involves steep or slippery slopes or embankments (without walkways)
- Areas with rough or complex terrain
- Areas where there is a significant risk of avalanche, landslide, flood, or other natural hazards
These and other changes to the BC Ocuppational First Aid Regulation may result in the first aid requirements for some workplaces changing. It is important that employers review and plan for these new requirements in order to stay compliant.
Health Safety Assistant (HSA) can help your organisation implement these changes and other requirements of the BC OHS laws, rules and regulations, seamlessly and affordably, allowing you time to focus on your core business.
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