What First Aid Training is a Workplace Required to Provide?
According to Regulation 1101 under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (WSIA), all workplaces in Ontario must provide first aid training to their employees. The specific training required depends on the number of people working per shift:
Workplaces with five or fewer people working on any one shift must have at least one employee with an emergency first aid certificate. This program lasts for 6.5 hours and is offered by organizations across the province.
Workplaces with six or more people working on any shift must have at least one employee with a standard first aid certificate. This program lasts for 13 hours and is also offered by organizations throughout Ontario.
Required Ratio of First Aiders to Employees:
Regulation 1101 does not stipulate a specific ratio of trained first aiders to total employees. However, it is a best practice for businesses to assess their workplace and determine the number of first aiders needed based on factors such as the size and layout of the premises. A general guideline is that a first aider should be able to reach an injured person within two minutes. Remember, all employees, regardless of employment status, must receive first aid treatment when needed.
Renewal of First Aid Training:
Most first aid certificates are valid for a maximum of three years. Training providers may have their own standards and issue certificates with a two-year validation period. Before your certificate expires, you must complete the training again to maintain your certification.
For standard first aid certificates, you can renew them once by completing a one-day standard first aid renewal course with the original provider before the original certificate expires. The new certificate will indicate "renewal." If you have already renewed your standard first aid certificate once, you will need to earn a new certificate from an approved provider once your renewed certificate expires.
Cost Coverage for First Aid Training and Supplies:
Businesses are responsible for covering the cost of first aid training and supplies. This includes providing wage compensation for employees while they are completing an approved first aid training program.
Difference between CPR Training and First Aid Training:
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) training is not the same as first aid training, but there is a CPR component within first aid training recognized by the WSIB. The CPR component can be fulfilled through approved emergency first aid or standard first aid programs. The following CPR courses meet the requirements for the CPR component in Regulation 1101 when taken as part of an approved program:
CPR A: Adult CPR techniques only.
CPR B: CPR techniques for adults and children.
CPR C: CPR techniques for adults, children, and infants.
CPR-HCP (Healthcare Provider): Comprehensive CPR skills for adult, child, and infant victims, including rescue breathing (artificial respiration) and the use of AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) and bag-valve-masks (BVM).
Placement of First Aid Stations and Kits:
First aid kits should be part of a designated first aid station strategically placed throughout the workplace. Each building within a workplace should be treated as an individual entity, and all vehicles used for work purposes, including personal vehicles, should also have a first aid kit and supplies.
There is no specific ratio of first aid kits to employees. However, it is essential to ensure that first aid kits are easily accessible to individuals, allowing them to reach or access a first aid kit quickly. Kits should be portable and not kept in locked cabinets, drawers, or rooms. They should be located in visible areas or marked with signs indicating their location.
Contents Required in First Aid Kits:
The required items for first aid kits can be found in Sections 8 to 13 of Regulation 1101. The list of contents differs based on the size of the workforce. It is recommended to include a pocket mask or other barrier device and multiple pairs of non-latex gloves in your first aid kit to ensure preparedness for various situations.
Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) Certification:
In Ontario, most workplaces with 20 or more workers must have a Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) consisting of at least one worker and one employer member. The primary role of the committee is to identify workplace health and safety issues and bring them to the employer's attention.
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, at least one worker and one employer on the JHSC must be certified. Members who successfully complete an approved training program are eligible for certification by the Chief Prevention Officer.
By complying with first aid training regulations and JHSC requirements, businesses demonstrate their commitment to the well-being and safety of their employees. It is crucial for employers to cover the cost of training and supplies, ensuring employees receive proper training to provide effective first aid care when needed.
Understanding the distinctions between CPR and first aid training helps employers select the appropriate programs to meet regulatory requirements. Proper placement of first aid stations and kits, along with regular inspections and restocking, ensures easy access to necessary supplies.
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Remember, safety should always be a top priority in the workplace. By adhering to first aid training requirements and fostering a culture of safety, organizations create a secure environment for employees and minimize the potential for accidents or injuries. Let's work together to promote workplace safety and protect the well-being of all.
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