First Aid – 2023 Year in Review

FEDERAL

LAWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Dec 9: The government published changes to OHS Code requirements for workplace first aider training, the contents of first aid kits, first aid recording and reporting and other rules that take effect on March 31, 2023.
Action Point: Implement a First Aid Compliance Game Plan at your workplace

Jan 15: The government published new guidance on the changes to OHS Code requirements for workplace first aider training, the contents of first aid kits, first aid recording and reporting and other rules that take effect on March 31, 2023.
Action Point: Implement a First Aid Compliance Game Plan at your workplace.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

LAWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Apr 5: Newly tabled Private Member Bill M 220 requires owners of designated public premises to install, maintain, test and post signs about the presence and location of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) on the property.
Action Point: Implement an AEDs program to save lives at your workplace.

Jun 8: WorkSafeBC updated the OHS Regulation to bring first aid training and kit requirements into line with revised CSA standards, namely, CSA Z1210-17 and CSA Z1220-17, and to clarify first aid rules for high-risk remote workplaces. Key changes include requiring first aid assessments to consider situations where first aid attendants can’t get to injured workers.
Action Point: Implement a First Aid Compliance Game Plan at your workplace.

May 30: That’s the deadline to comment on proposed changes to the OHS First Aid Regulation. Highlights: i. First aid training would have to meet CSA Z1210-17; ii. Workplace first aid kits would have to meet CSA Z1220-17; and iii. Revised definition of high hazard work.
Action Point: Implement a First Aid Compliance Game Plan at your workplace.

May 30: Comments ended on proposed changes to the First Aid Regulation designed to harmonize record keeping and minimum training requirements (and definition of “high hazard work”) in New Brunswick with the OHS rules of other jurisdictions.
Action Point: Implement a First Aid Compliance Game Plan at your workplace.

NOVA SCOTIA

LAWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Jan 17: With OHS division inspectors focusing on home healthcare agencies, the agency issued new guidance to help employers comply with current regulatory rules for protecting workers working in isolated locations where an isolated workplace first aid plan is required.
Action Point: Implement a First Aid Compliance Game Plan at your workplace.

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

LAWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Oct 6: The WCB reminded PEI employers of their responsibility under OHS laws to provide adequate first aid supplies and services at the workplace, as well as first aid training to workers. For their part, workers are responsible for safe conduct, reporting illnesses and injuries and using first aid resources when needed.
Action Point: Implement a First Aid Compliance Game Plan at your workplace.