Ontario Workplace First Aid Requirements: What Every Employer Must Know
Ontario law requires every WSIB-covered workplace to have trained first aid personnel and proper equipment. Here is exactly what you need — broken down by company size, with no legal jargon.
Under Ontario Regulation 1101 (Workplace Safety and Insurance Act), every WSIB-covered workplace must have trained first aiders on every shift. Workplaces with 1–5 workers per shift need at least one person with Emergency First Aid + CPR; workplaces with 6 or more workers per shift need at least one person with Standard First Aid + CPR. Certificates must come from a WSIB-approved provider and are valid for three years. You also need a stocked, size-appropriate first aid kit and the WSIB “In Case of Injury” (Form 82) poster on display.
Under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (WSIA) and Ontario Regulation 1101, every business in Ontario covered by the WSIB is legally required to have first aid equipment, facilities, and trained personnel at all workplaces. This is not optional, and non-compliance can result in WSIB penalties, Ministry of Labour orders, and — in the event of an incident — significant legal liability.
Despite this, many Ontario employers are either unaware of the specific requirements or have outdated compliance. This guide breaks down exactly what is required, based on the size of your workplace, and how to get compliant efficiently.
Training Requirements by Workplace Size
| Workers Per Shift | Minimum Certification Required | Who Needs It |
|---|---|---|
| 1-5 workers | Emergency First Aid (EFA) with CPR/AED | At least 1 worker per shift |
| 6-15 workers | Standard First Aid (SFA) with CPR/AED | At least 1 worker per shift |
| 16-199 workers | Standard First Aid (SFA) with CPR/AED | At least 1 worker per shift, plus additional certified workers recommended |
| 200+ workers | Standard First Aid (SFA) with CPR/AED | At least 1 worker per shift, plus a designated first aid room |
Source: WSIB Ontario — First aid requirements, under Ontario Regulation 1101.
Certificate Validity and Recertification
All WSIB-approved first aid certificates are valid for three years from the date of issue. Before a certificate expires, the employee can take a condensed recertification course rather than repeating the full course — this is faster, more cost-effective, and maintains continuous certification.
If a certificate has already expired, the employee must take the full certification course again. There is no grace period — an expired certificate is the same as no certificate.
Required First Aid Equipment
First Aid Kit Contents (Minimum Requirements)
WSIB specifies minimum contents for workplace first aid kits based on the number of workers. At minimum, every workplace must have:
- A current edition of a first aid manual
- Adhesive bandages individually wrapped (assorted sizes)
- Sterile gauze pads
- Rolls of gauze bandage and adhesive tape
- Triangular bandages
- Safety pins
- Scissors
- Splints
- Disposable gloves
- Resuscitation pocket mask with one-way valve
- Sterile wound cleansing wipes
Kits must be inspected at least quarterly, and used supplies must be replaced immediately.
Source: WSIB Ontario first aid kit contents, prescribed under Ontario Regulation 1101. Confirm the exact kit size required for your worker count on the WSIB first aid requirements page.
Required Postings and Record-Keeping
- WSIB Form 82 — the “In Case of Injury at Work” poster must be displayed in a conspicuous location in every workplace
- Names and locations of certified first aid personnel — post these where all workers can see them
- First aid treatment records — employers must maintain a log of all incidents requiring first aid, including the date, time, nature of the injury, treatment provided, and the name of the first aider
Source: WSIB Ontario — required workplace first aid postings and records, Ontario Regulation 1101.
Choosing a WSIB-Approved Training Provider
Only training providers approved by WSIB can issue certificates that meet Ontario workplace requirements. When choosing a provider, look for:
- WSIB approval status — verify on the WSIB website or ask the provider for their approval number
- Small class sizes — hands-on practice is essential; large classes mean less individual attention
- Real-time feedback technology — providers like Life Safe use CPR Coach technology that tracks compression depth, rate, and consistency during training, ensuring every student graduates with verified skills
- Flexible scheduling — weekend and evening options reduce disruption to your business
- On-site training option — many providers, including Life Safe, can come to your workplace
The Cost of Non-Compliance
Beyond fines and Ministry of Labour orders, the real cost of non-compliance is measured in outcomes. When a workplace injury occurs and no trained first aider is available, the consequences escalate: what could have been managed on-site becomes an ambulance call, a minor injury becomes a serious one, and the employer faces both human and legal accountability.
Compliance is not just a legal checkbox — it is a commitment to the people who show up to work for you every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What first aid certification does WSIB require?
WSIB requires either Emergency First Aid (EFA) with CPR/AED for workplaces with 1-5 workers per shift, or Standard First Aid (SFA) with CPR/AED for workplaces with 6 or more workers per shift. The certification must be from a WSIB-approved training provider and is valid for three years.
How long is a WSIB first aid certificate valid?
All WSIB-approved first aid certificates in Ontario are valid for three years from the date of issue. Before the certificate expires, the holder can take a condensed recertification course. If the certificate has already expired, the full course must be taken again — there is no grace period.
Can I get first aid training at my workplace?
Yes. Many WSIB-approved training providers, including Life Safe, offer on-site first aid training at your workplace. This is often more convenient and cost-effective for businesses, as it minimizes travel time and disruption. Contact us to arrange group training at your location.
What happens if my workplace does not have a certified first aider?
Non-compliance with Ontario first aid regulations can result in WSIB penalties, Ministry of Labour orders, and significant legal liability in the event of a workplace injury. If a worker is injured and no trained first aider is available, the employer may face additional consequences including increased WSIB premiums and potential charges under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Do I need a first aid room at my workplace?
WSIB requires a dedicated first aid room for workplaces with 200 or more workers. The room must have specific equipment including a cot, blankets, a sink with running water, and adequate lighting. For smaller workplaces, a clearly designated first aid station with a stocked kit and posted emergency information is the minimum requirement.
Sources & medical review
Regulatory content based on Ontario Regulation 1101 (First Aid Requirements) under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, as administered by the WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board), and the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act. First aid and CPR training content reviewed by Milos Radojcic (Canadian Red Cross / Heart & Stroke / Lifesaving Society First Aid & CPR Instructor, 10+ yrs) and aligned with Canadian Red Cross / Heart & Stroke Foundation guidelines (2025 ILCOR consensus). Employers should confirm current requirements directly with WSIB. Last reviewed July 2026.