FAQ

First aid kits should be part of a first aid station. You should place first aid stations strategically throughout your workplace. Your first aid stations should include:

• a first aid kit
• the “In Case of Injury” poster
• a first aid inspection card
• a list of the first aiders in that area

When you have multiple buildings, you should treat each building as an individual workplace. All vehicles used for work purposes, including personal vehicles, should also have a first aid kit and supplies.

You can find the list of required items in Sections 8 to 13 of Regulation 1101. The list is different depending on the size of the workforce.

You should also include a pocket mask or other barrier device and multiple pairs of non-latex gloves in your first aid kit.

There is no ratio of first aid kits to employees. You need to make sure that first aid kits are easily accessible so that people can reach or access a first aid kit quickly.

A first aid kit should be portable and should NOT be kept in a locked cabinet, drawer or room. It should be in an area where it is visible or marked with a sign identifying its location.

Over-the-counter medications cannot be included in first aid kits.

Do not provide medication to someone who has been injured or is ill. It could lead to an allergic reaction or could mask the severity of the injury or illness, which could delay getting needed medical attention.

In training, first aiders are not taught to use these items. Providing medication or applying ointment is outside the scope of what first aiders are taught to do.

EpiPens® are not required under Ontario Regulation 1101 and should not be included in the first aid kits.  We provide a special wall cabinet for EpiPens.

Yes, some alternatives are approved for first aid kit contents. They include:

• dressing forceps = single use tweezers
• dressing scissors = single use scissors
• denatured ethyl alcohol = single use antiseptic wipes
• adhesive plaster and dressing = adhesive bandages
• instrument sterilizer = no longer used by first aiders – use single use items and discard
• enamel footbath = can use a stainless steel bowl.

The first aid requirements for employees working off-site are the same as for employess working on-site (e.g., first aid stations and certified first aiders).

All work crews must have adequate first aid supplies and a trained first aider according to the size of the crew. 

Here are some of the requirements:

• Workplaces must have at least one employee on site at all times that has a valid first aid certificate from a WSIB-approved training organization.
• Employers must cover any costs for first aid equipment and services.
• Employers must inspect first aid equipment at least once every three months.
• First aid stations must be easy to find and near an employee who has a valid first aid certificate.
• Employers must post the “In case of injury poster (Form 82)“, first aid certificates and kit inspection card in an area that all employees can easily access.
• Employers must keep a detailed record of all incidents and any first aid treatment given.

According to Regulation 1101, all workplaces in Ontario covered by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (WSIA) must provide first aid training to their employees.

The required training depends on the number of people working per shift at a workplace:

• For workplaces with five or fewer people working on any one shift, at least one must have an emergency first aid certificate. This program is 6.5 hours long and is offered by organizations across the province.
• For workplaces with six or more people working on any shift, at least one must have a standard first aid certificate. This program is 13 hours long and is offered by organizations across the province.

An employee, or a worker in the WSIA, is a person who performs work or supplies services for monetary compensation. A definition is available on the Ministry of Labour’s website.

Anyone can become a first aider (or a valid first aid certificate holder). A first aider should be able to provide prompt treatment. For example, you should not choose someone to be a first aider if they often work off-site or in closed-door meetings.

There is no required ratio of trained first aiders to total employees under Regulation 1101. Workplaces must have at least one person on site at all times who has a valid first aid certificate (according to the number of people working per shift).

It is a best practice for employers to assess their workplace to determine how many first aiders they need based on things like the size and layout of the workplace. For example, a first aider should be able to reach an injured person within two minutes.  We recommend a minimum of 10% of your workplace trained

All employees, regardless of their employment status, must be given first aid treatment when they need it.

Most first aid certificates are valid for a maximum of three years. Training providers may set a higher standard and issue their certificates with a two-year validation period

Before your certificate expires you will need to complete the training again to maintain your certification.

You can renew your standard first aid certificate one time by completing a one-day standard first aid renewal course with the original provider before your original certificate expires. The new certificate will state “renewal or recertification” on it.

If you have already renewed your standard first aid certificate once, you will need to earn a new certificate from an approved provider when your renewed certificate expires.

Yes. Employers are required to cover the cost of first aid training and supplies. This includes covering wage costs for an employee’s time while they are completing an approved first aid training program.

Yes. If you have a first aid certificate from an approved provider in another province, we will accept the certificate until it expires. After the certificate expires, you must complete your first aid training with a WSIB-approved provider in Ontario.

Course participants are given access to the online content for a period of one year after certification and may log on as needed to reference content or refresh their knowledge.

The blended learning online session offers students a variety of elements to learn program content including videos, lesson narration, and special features. In addition, interactive learning experiences include:

• Drag-and-drop exercises
• Question & Answer
• Lesson review

• Led by a certified instructor
• Includes guided practice and scenarios
• Question and Answer