First Aid Requirements for Ontario Workplaces: What Every Employer Must Have

Every Ontario workplace must have a first aid kit that meets the minimum contents specified in Schedule 2 of O. Reg. 1101 — the required contents vary based on the number of workers present at one time

Workplaces with 5 or fewer workers need a basic kit; those with 6–15 workers need a larger standard kit; workplaces with 16+ workers require a comprehensive kit plus a first aid room may be required depending on industry

At least one person with a valid Standard First Aid & CPR/AED certificate must be present whenever workers are on-site — this person must be designated and their certificate must be current

Construction projects have additional requirements under O. Reg. 213/91: a first aid station must be located within 10 minutes' travel of any worker, and at least one person trained in emergency first aid must be present on every shift

First aid kits must be inspected regularly, kept in good order, and restocked promptly after use — maintaining an inspection log demonstrates due diligence during Ministry of Labour audits

The name and location of the designated first aider must be posted in the workplace in a conspicuous location so all workers know who to contact in an emergency

If your workplace has a first aid room (required for certain large industrial workplaces), it must be equipped with specific supplies, including a cot with waterproof cover, blankets, and running water where reasonably practicable

All first aid incidents — even those that don't result in lost time — should be recorded in a first aid register; this record is required under O. Reg. 1101 and must be kept for at least three years