Did You Know? All Businesses in Ontario must have at Least 1 First Aid Certified Employee

How many first aiders are required in a workplace in Ontario?

Did you know that according to Regulation 1101 of the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, all businesses are required to ensure the safety of their employees by having at least one employee on site at all times that has a valid first aid and CPR certificate from a WSIB-approved training organization?

Yes, it's true. It's an important requirement because accidents can happen at any time, and having someone trained and ready to act can be the difference between life and death.

Ontario WSIB Regulation 1101: The Requirement for First Aid Certification

Enter Ontario WSIB Regulation 1101, a pivotal aspect of the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Act that shapes the safety landscape for businesses across Ontario.

Regulation 1101 underscores the critical importance of having at least one First Aid Certified employee present on your premises at all times—this isn't mere bureaucracy; it's a powerful mandate.

Only Choose Ontario WSIB Approved First Aid and CPR Providers

When considering first aid companies to choose as your training providers, be sure they teach programs and issue certifications that are authorized on the Ontario WSIB list of approved first aid and CPR providers. If not, your training will not be considered valid!

At Para CPR & First Aid, for example, we've selected EMT Canada as our program provider, and therefore the certifications we issue are always Ontario WSIB recognized. You can always be confident with us that you have a valid first aid certificate.

Being First Aid Certified is A Hidden Opportunity

This regulation offers a hidden opportunity for many young people seeking employment. By becoming first aid and CPR certified, they can increase their chances of getting the job they want. Employers need to meet this requirement, and by having an employee who is already certified, it saves them the time and money of having to train someone new.

Are you a young person seeking employment opportunities in the Brampton, Mississauga, or Etobicoke areas? If so, Para CPR & First Aid provides the perfect workplace first aid course solution for busy young people with half online, blended training options that make it easier than ever to obtain a first aid certificate. It's a self paced program, making it an ideal choice for employees in a busy workplace, college students, and anyone balancing work and family commitments.

What's more, our hands-on training program is led by active duty Paramedics! It's designed to be engaging, practical, and fun, providing a more enjoyable and interactive learning experience than traditional programs. With Para CPR & First Aid, employees can gain the necessary training to keep their co-workers and customers safe while advancing their careers.

If you're NOT in the Mississauga area, here is a list of WSIB authorized first aid program providers you can check out.

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How Many People with First Aid Training Need to be in the Workplace?

First aid training requirements in Ontario state that workplaces must provide first aid training to employees, as mandated by Regulation 1101 under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (WSIA).

The type of training required depends on how many people are working per shift:

- If five or fewer employees are working on any shift, at least one employee must have an emergency first aid certificate.

- If six or more employees are working on any shift, at least one employee must have a standard first aid certificate.

Wondering how many trained first aiders your workplace needs according to Regulation 1101?

Well, there is no set ratio, however, it is recommended that the ratio is based on an assessment of the workplace's size and layout.

At a minimum, you must have at least one person on site at all times with a valid first aid certificate who should be able to get to an injured person within two minutes.

All employees, regardless of their role, are entitled to first aid treatment when they need it.

What about people working alone?

Working alone can be risky, but Regulation 1101 does not address it.

To keep everyone safe, access to first aid supplies is crucial for all employees. Additionally, it's wise for solo workers to receive emergency first aid training as a best practice.

With these precautions in place, everyone can feel empowered to handle unexpected situations and stay safe on the job.

Managers & Supervisors: Safety Tailored to Your Workforce

Are you a manager or supervisor with health and safety responsibility? As you explore the nuances of Regulation 1101, you'll discover that its requirements are nuanced to fit the scale of your operations.

Whether you have a small team or a larger workforce, the regulation's guidelines ensure that your employees have access to the appropriate level of first aid support.

From emergency First Aid Certification for smaller teams to standard First Aid Certification for larger operations, the regulation provides a clear roadmap for compliance.

It is cost-effective to have more than the minimum number of employees trained. Think about this: What if someone gets fired unexpectedly, quits, calls off sick, or, worse yet, dies? Now, you're faced with finding a replacement that meets compliance requirements and finding that person in a rush.

But you're covered if you have additional staff trained—saving you time, money, and stress.

Beyond Compliance: Unlocking Competitive Advantage

But here's where the story takes an exciting turn. Compliance isn't just about ticking boxes; it's about going above and beyond to create an environment that thrives on safety and responsibility. 

When you invest in First Aid Certification, you're meeting a legal requirement while gaining a competitive edge. Your commitment to safety radiates to the community, clients, employees, and stakeholders, positioning your business as one that values well-being.

Para CPR & First Aid: Your Partner in Safety Excellence

Having mandatory First Aid Certification is a smart decision, and it becomes even smarter when you partner with Para CPR & First Aid. Our expertise in blending online and in-class instruction allows your team to undergo flexible, engaging, and effective training. We provide everything from onsite private training customized to your work environment, to corporate discount rates for your employees to attend our public courses.

We are an authorized training provider of the Emergency Medical Training Canada program, a WSIB-approved first aid & CPR training organization.

We ensure your employees can handle emergencies professionally and responsibly.

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Other WSIB First Aid in the Workplace Requirements

In addition to having at least one employee with a valid first aid certificate, businesses must follow additional requirements listed in Regulation 1101, such as:

• providing adequate first aid equipment and services
• first aid kit requirements - click here for a downloadable PDF of the official Government of Ontario Regulation 1101 First Aid Kit Requirements guide
• inspecting equipment regularly
• keeping accurate records of incidents and treatments.
• employers - don't forget to post the Ontario WSIB's "In Case of Injury" poster (Form 82) in your workplace!

Stay Compliant. Stay Secure. 

In a world where challenges can arise unexpectedly, you have the power to shape a safer future for your business and its workforce. Embracing mandatory First Aid Certification isn't just about meeting a legal obligation; it's about creating a legacy of care and security that resonates through your organization.