Answers to Your Top 10 Questions about WSIB First Aid Requirements in Ontario

First aid and CPR training can provide life saving benefits in the workplace and in the community. Our safety trainers have answered the most commonly asked questions about the WSIB's first aid and CPR requirements to help you navigate the certification and recertification requirements for workplace first aid and CPR training in Ontario.

1. What first aid training is a workplace required to provide in Ontario?
2. Is CPR the same as first aid?
3. How often does first aid training need to be renewed?
4. Can first aid training be completed online?
5. What contents are required in first aid kits?
6. Who can be a first aider?
7. Where you should have first aid stations? How many should you have?
8. Are employers responsible for coming the costs of first aid training and supplies?
9. Are employers required to have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at their workplaces?
10. What are the requirements for people who work alone?

Download our free First Aid Kit Checklists

• Workplaces with
  • Fewer than 5 employees
  • 5-15 employees
  • 15-200 employees
• Workplaces with bush and farm workers
• Workplaces that use vehicles to transport workers

First Aid Training

1. What first aid training is a workplace required to provide in Ontario?

All Ontario workplaces that are covered by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act must provide first aid training to their employees. First aid training requirements in Ontario are outlined in Regulation 1101.
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The required training depends on the number of people working per shift at a workplace:

• Workplaces with 5 or fewer people working on one shift require a minimum of one worker to have completed an emergency first aid certificate.
• Workplaces with 6 or more people working on one shift require a minimum of one worker to have completed an emergency first aid certificate.

MidSouthWest offers comprehensive First Aid and CPR training that includes defibrillator training. Contact MidSouthWest today to discuss First Aid training options for your employees.

2. Is CPR the same as first aid?

No, CPR is not the same as first aid training. CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

There are four different types of CPR Training, all of which meet the CPR requirements outlined in Regulation 1101:

• CPR A: includes CPR techniques for adults only.
• CPR B: includes CPR techniques for adults and children.
• CPR C: includes CPR techniques for adults, children and infants.
• CPR-HCP (Healthcare provider): covers all aspects of CPR skills and theory for adult, child and infant victims, including rescue breathing (artificial respiration) and the use of AEDs and bag-valve-masks (BVM).

MidSouthWest offers comprehensive First Aid and CPR training that goes beyond the minimum Level A standard (adults only) by meeting the Level C standard (adults, children and babies). All of our First Aid/CPR classes include defibrillator training. We offer both initial and refresher training, including blended online and in-class training options. 

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3. How often does first aid training need to be renewed?

Most first aid certificates are valid for a maximum of three years. You will need to complete refresher training before your certificate expires in order to renew your certification. If you do not complete reverification training before your certificated expires, you will not be eligible to renew your certificate and you will be required to complete a two-day standard first aid/CPR training course.

First aid/CPR training can only be renewed once. If you have already renewed your If you have already renewed your standard first aid certificate once, you will need to complete a two-day standard first aid/CPR training course.

MidSouthWest Training and Consulting offers both the one-day standard first aid/CPR recertification training course and the two-day standard first aid/CPR training course.
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4. Can first aid training be completed online?

As of February 2019, the WSIB states that there are currently no approved online-only programs that meet the criteria for first aid training. Online programs do not allow participants to show that they have learned the required skills. Blended online and in-class learning options are available, contact us to find out of this option is right for your workplace.

5. What contents are required in first aid kits?

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.

Download our free First Aid Kit Checklists

• Workplaces with
  • Fewer than 5 employees
  • 5-15 employees
  • 15-200 employees
• Workplaces with bush and farm workers
• Workplaces that use vehicles to transport workers

First Aid Training

6. Where you should have first aid stations? How many should you have?

​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.

7. Who can be a first aider?

​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.

8. Are employers responsible for coming the costs of first aid training and supplies?

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.

9. Are employers required to have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at their workplaces?

AEDs are not required under Regulation 1101.

10. What are the requirements for people who work alone?

Regulation 1101 does not have requirements around people working alone. However, working alone should be considered a hazard. All employees should have access to first aid supplies. As a best practice, employees who work alone should have emergency first aid training.

​Last updated Feb 21, 2019