Amendments to WorkSafeBC’s Part 3, Rights and Responsibilities, in the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR) will be effective November 1, 2024.

Some changes include:

• A written workplace assessment to determine the appropriate level of first aid equipment, supplies, facilities, first aid attendants, services and transportation.
• Written first aid procedures, including how an injured worker will be accessed and transported if any barriers to providing first aid exist.
• First aid drills must be conducted annually to test the written procedures.
• The current Schedule 3-A will be completely replaced with a new one based on minimum first aid requirements on four classes of workplace remoteness and accessibility.
• Certification for first aid attendants will be updated from a level 1, 2 and 3 certificate to a basic, intermediate, and advanced certificate.
• Criteria for dressing stations and first aid rooms (where required) have been included.
• Levels of first aid will be determined by the number of workers per shift, how remote and accessible the workplace is for ambulance personnel, and the workplace hazard rating.

*WorkSafeBC defines long-term care and community health support services first aid requirements as a low hazard rating.

While the related guidelines are not yet developed, find additional information on first aid requirements online.

If you have questions about the requirements, contact Jennifer Derksen at JDerksen@safecarebc.ca or 604-630-5572 ext. 238.