Workplace first aid requirements

If you operate a business or work in First Aid & CPR Ontario, you should know the first aid and CPR training obligations that apply to your workplace. Compliance isn't just about meeting regulations — properly trained employees save lives, reduce workplace injuries, and protect employers from liability.

What the law requires in First Aid & CPR Ontario

In First Aid & CPR Ontario, workplace safety is governed by Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 (WSIA). The specific first aid requirements are set out in Regulation 1101 (First Aid Requirements), administered by WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board).

As a Canadian province, First Aid & CPR Ontario has its own occupational health and safety framework with jurisdiction over all workplaces.

Training requirements

The required training levels in First Aid & CPR Ontario are: emergency first aid (6.5 hours), standard first aid (13 hours). Certifications are valid for 3 years and must be renewed before expiry to remain compliant.

Our online and blended CPR and first aid courses are designed to meet or exceed these training standards. Our curriculum follows the latest ILCOR 2025 guidelines — the same international evidence base that informs CSA Z1210-17 and provincial requirements.

Why it matters

A workplace emergency can happen at any time. When it does, the difference between a positive outcome and a tragedy often comes down to whether someone nearby is trained to respond. Having certified first aiders on staff isn't just a legal requirement — it's an investment in your team's safety.

Important for First Aid & CPR Ontario: One of few provinces with a separate AED-specific liability protection act (Chase McEachern Act)

Ready to train your team? View our courses