Employers are responsible for ensuring the workplace has the required first aid equipment, supplies, facilities, and first aid attendants to treat workers if they are injured on the job.

First aid kits

Schedule 3-A outlines the minimum levels of first aid required for your workplace, based on the results of your first aid risk assessment. Refer to Schedule 3-A to determine what type of first aid kit you need:

• Personal first aid kit
• Basic first aid kit
• Intermediate first aid kit
• Advanced first aid kit

The OHS Guidelines list the recommended minimum contents for each level of kit. You can also find the information in this resource.

You can purchase a complete pre-packaged kit, or buy the contents from a safety supply store or first aid training provider. You can also put together your own kit, following OHS Guidelines recommendations.

For all types of kits, items must be kept clean, dry, and accessible. It’s also recommended that you assign an individual to check the kits regularly, restocking items as needed.

First aid facilities

Depending on your first aid assessment, your workplace may require an on-site dressing station or first aid room. If so, here are some general recommendations:

• The facility must be kept clean, dry, and accessible at any time workers may need first aid.
• It should be located as close to the work area as possible.
• A stretcher should be able to easily enter and exit the facility.
• The facility should have proper lighting, ventilation, and heating and cooling.
• It should have a sink with hot and cold running water, or a source of fresh, clean, drinkable water readily available.
• The facility should feature a notice, on the door outside the room or area, with clear information on how to contact the first aid attendant.

The OHS Guidelines provide more detailed recommendations on first aid facilities — including specific recommendations about dressing stations, oxygen-powered resuscitators, and medications.

Emergency transportation

Your first aid assessment will help you determine whether or not an emergency vehicle needs to be available, on-site, at your workplace.

Here are some general guidelines for emergency vehicles at the workplace:

• An emergency vehicle must be maintained and operated according to the requirements in the OHS Regulation.
• The vehicle must be capable of being being at the incident scene or location of pick-up within 10 minutes.
• The vehicle should be operated by someone other than the first aid attendant so that the attendant can treat an injured worker.
• The vehicle must be suitable for the terrain and area, and be able to provide proper warmth and protection from the natural elements.
• The vehicle must be equipped with effective communications between the vehicle operator and first aid attendant, and should be equipped with communication between the vehicle operator and the hospital.

As an employer, you are responsible for any costs associated with transporting injured workers to the nearest hospital or medical facility.

The OHS Guidelines provide more detailed recommendations for emergency vehicles and equipment, including specific recommendations for emergency transport vehicles (ETVs), industrial ambulances, and mobile treatment centres (MTCs).

Air transport

Sometimes air transport is the best or only means of getting an injured worker to a medical facility and treatment. If this is the case for your workplace, the following requirements apply:

• Before work starts, make arrangements with an air service to ensure an appropriate aircraft is available during work operations. At the start of each work day, confirm the availability of appropriate aircraft.
• Make sure the aircraft is capable of transporting a patient lying on a stretcher as well as a first aid attendant.
• In your written workplace first aid procedures, be sure to include a list of radio frequencies used between the air carrier and the workplace. Be sure to also include your workplace coordinates.
• First aid equipment must be appropriate for the aircraft being used. For example, the stretcher or spine board must fit the plane.
• Always ensure that alternative transportation options are available in case weather or other factors delay the aircraft. If air is the only possible means of transportation, avoid conducting high-risk work when aircraft are unavailable.

In an emergency situation, your first aid attendant should have proper training to decide whether air or surface transportation is the best option.

Resources

First aid equipment, supplies, and facilities

Employers are responsible for ensuring their workplace has the required first aid equipment, supplies, and facilities to treat injured workers. This resource identifies the recommended minimum contents...

Publication Date: Oct 2024

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Workplace First Aid Requirements: First Aid Equipment and Training

If you are an employer, you need to ensure your workplace has the appropriate first aid equipment, facilities, and trained and certified attendants. This video explains those requirements.

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Publication Date: Oct 2024

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