WorkSafeBC & First Aid Requirements
WorkSafeBC plays a crucial role in ensuring that workplaces in British Columbia are safe and prepared for emergencies. One of the key components of this safety net is the requirement for adequate first aid provisions. Let’s delve into the details of what WorkSafeBC mandates for first aid in workplaces, including the upcoming changes and guidelines.
Certification and Attendant Requirements
Before assigning a first aid attendant to duty, employers must ensure that the worker holds a valid first aid certificate recognized by WorkSafeBC. This certificate must be kept on file and available for inspection by WorkSafeBC officers. Employers are encouraged to track the expiration dates of these certificates to ensure timely re-certification. Posting the certificates at the worksite is also recommended for transparency and worker reassurance .
First aid attendants must present their original certificate or a verifiable digital certificate to their employer before starting their duties. Acceptable digital certificates should allow validation through an online database maintained by the training agency. Digital photographs of certificates are generally not acceptable unless their authenticity can be validated by the employer .
Regulatory Requirements
Employers must provide adequate first aid equipment, supplies, facilities, and trained attendants as specified in Schedule 3-A of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulation. This includes ensuring prompt first aid and transportation for injured workers to medical treatment. The requirements are determined based on the number of workers, the nature of workplace hazards, and the accessibility of the workplace .
First Aid Assessment
Employers are required to conduct a written first aid assessment, detailing the number of workers, their locations, the nature and extent of workplace hazards, the types of injuries likely to occur, and any barriers to providing first aid. This assessment must be reviewed annually or whenever significant operational changes occur. The assessment process must be done in consultation with the joint health and safety committee or worker health and safety representative .
Hazard Ratings and Additional Requirements
Workplaces are classified into hazard ratings (low, moderate, high) which determine the minimum first aid requirements. Employers must consider specific hazards and risks unique to their workplace that might necessitate additional first aid services beyond the minimum standards. This can include maintaining specific antidotes for chemical exposures, providing training on using automatic external defibrillators (AEDs), and preparing for psychological injuries .
Special Provisions for EMAs and Nurses
WorkSafeBC recognizes certain Emergency Medical Assistant (EMA) licenses as equivalent to first aid certificates, allowing holders to act as first aid attendants in occupational settings. Employers must ensure these attendants are familiar with their responsibilities and may need to provide additional training. Similarly, registered nurses and psychiatric nurses can be used as intermediate first aid attendants in health care facilities operated by health authorities, provided they meet specific training and certification requirements .
Conclusion
Ensuring compliance with WorkSafeBC’s first aid requirements is essential for workplace safety. Employers must stay updated with the regulations, maintain proper certifications, and provide adequate first aid resources tailored to their specific workplace hazards. These measures not only fulfill legal obligations but also contribute to a safer and more responsive working environment.
For more detailed information and updates, refer to the full guidelines provided by WorkSafeBC here .
