How many first aiders does my workplace need in Ontario?

Under Regulation 1101, workplaces with 1 to 5 workers on a shift need at least one worker holding a valid Emergency First Aid certificate (which includes CPR). Workplaces with 6 or more workers on a shift need at least one worker holding a valid Standard First Aid certificate (also includes CPR). Some industries — construction, mining, healthcare, childcare — have higher minimums set by their own sector regulations.

What is the difference between Emergency First Aid and Standard First Aid for workplaces?

Emergency First Aid is a one-day, roughly 6.5 to 8 hour course covering core life-threatening emergencies — it satisfies Regulation 1101 for workplaces of 1 to 5 workers. Standard First Aid is a two-day, approximately 14-hour course covering a wider range of injuries and medical emergencies — it's required for workplaces of 6 or more workers. Both include CPR Level C with AED.

Do remote workers and home offices need first aid training in Ontario?

Regulation 1101 applies to workplaces, which the WSIB generally defines as a fixed business location where employees report for work. Fully remote workers in their own homes are not typically counted toward the workplace's worker total. However, if a company has a head office that staff visit periodically, the head office still needs first aid coverage based on the number of workers physically present on any given shift.

What is WSIB Form 82 and where does it go?

WSIB Form 82 is the official 'Notice in Industrial Establishments' poster that lists the workplace's designated first aiders and emergency procedures. It must be posted in a conspicuous place where workers can easily see it — typically near the first aid kit, beside required workplace postings like the OHSA poster. Photocopies of current first aid certificates must also be posted alongside.

Workplace Compliance

Is CPR Training Mandatory in Ontario Workplaces?

A plain-language guide to Ontario Regulation 1101 and what your workplace actually needs.

Quick Answer

CPR training on its own isn’t separately mandated, but first aid training is legally required in Ontario workplaces under Regulation 1101 — and CPR is built into the required courses. Workplaces with 1–5 workers per shift need at least one Emergency First Aid + CPR-certified worker. Workplaces with 6 or more workers per shift need a Standard First Aid + CPR-certified worker.

The law in one sentence

Ontario’s Regulation 1101, made under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, requires every employer covered by WSIB to provide first aid services — including trained first aiders, a stocked first aid kit, and the legally required postings. CPR isn’t called out as its own requirement, but every approved first aid course in Ontario already includes CPR Level C with AED, so in practice they come together.

How many first aiders do you need?

It depends on how many workers are on each shift, not your total headcount.

Workers on shift	Minimum first aiders	Required certification
1 – 5	1	Emergency First Aid + CPR C AED
6+	1 (minimum)	Standard First Aid + CPR C AED
Multiple shifts	1 per shift	Each shift needs its own first aider

If you run multiple shifts, each one needs its own certified worker. A single first aider working the day shift doesn’t cover the evening or weekend crew.

What needs to be posted

Beyond having a certified person on site, Regulation 1101 also requires you to post:

WSIB Form 82 — the official “Notice in Industrial Establishments” poster, listing your designated first aiders and emergency procedures
Photocopies of current first aid certificates for each designated first aider, posted alongside Form 82
The location of the first aid kit — clearly identified and accessible

These postings need to be in a conspicuous spot — typically near the first aid kit and beside the standard OHSA workplace posters.

Industries with higher requirements

Regulation 1101 sets the minimum. Some sectors require more:

Childcare and daycares — staff often need Standard First Aid + CPR regardless of group size, under the Child Care and Early Years Act
Construction — Ontario’s construction regulations layer additional first aid requirements based on project size and remoteness
Healthcare — clinical staff typically need BLS (Basic Life Support) rather than the general public CPR course, renewed annually
Group homes, schools, summer camps — sector-specific licensing usually requires Standard First Aid for designated staff

What about remote and hybrid workers?

The regulation applies to fixed workplaces. Employees working from their own homes typically don’t count toward the workplace headcount for first aid purposes. But if you have an office where staff come in periodically, that office still needs first aid coverage based on the number of workers physically present on any given shift — even if that’s only two days a week.

What happens if you don’t comply?

Non-compliance with Regulation 1101 can result in fines and orders from the Ministry of Labour. More practically, if a workplace injury occurs and you didn’t have the required first aid coverage in place, it can affect WSIB claims, expose the employer to additional liability, and trigger inspections.

Note: This article is a plain-language overview. Regulation 1101 is the legal source — review the regulation itself or consult a workplace health and safety advisor for compliance specific to your operation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is CPR training legally required in Ontario workplaces?

First aid training is required under Regulation 1101. CPR is built into the required courses, so in practice your designated first aiders will all be CPR-certified.

How many first aiders does my workplace need?

One per shift, minimum. 1–5 workers per shift needs Emergency First Aid + CPR; 6+ needs Standard First Aid + CPR.

Does Emergency First Aid count or do I need Standard?

Emergency First Aid satisfies the regulation for workplaces of 1–5 workers per shift. Once you hit 6+, Standard First Aid is required.

Do remote workers need to be trained?

Fully remote workers in their own homes are not typically counted. The requirement applies to fixed workplaces based on the number of workers physically present on a shift.