As of January 1, 2026, Ontario construction projects that are expected to last three months or longer and regularly employ 20 or more workers must have a Health Canada-licensed automated external defibrillator (AED) installed and maintained on site. The new requirement is intended to make life-saving equipment available when a worker experiences sudden cardiac arrest. For constructors, this is now a practical pre-construction planning item alongside first aid, emergency response, and worker orientation. Here is what qualifying projects need to have in place.
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The AED requirement applies when both conditions are met: the construction project is expected to last three months or longer and it regularly employs 20 or more workers
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The AED on site must be licensed by Health Canada — confirm the device is approved before purchasing or deploying it to a project
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Plan the AED location so it is readily available to workers and can be reached quickly during an emergency; include its location in site orientation and emergency-response information
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Assign a competent worker to inspect the AED in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and keep the inspection record with the device
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Each AED inspection record must include the inspection date and the name and signature of the competent worker who completed it
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Assess expected duration and regular staffing before work begins, then revisit the requirement if the scope or workforce changes during the project
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An AED supports, but does not replace, your first-aid and emergency-response arrangements — keep emergency contacts, first-aid supplies, and reporting procedures current
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