Did you know that under Ontario Regulation 1101, all workplaces are required to have a stocked first aid kit? It’s true! And, depending on the number of people your workplace employs, that first aid kit may need to contain a whole lot of supplies. So, what’s in YOUR first aid kit?
Requirements under Ontario Regulation 1101
It may be surprising to learn that there are several requirements for first aid kits under Ontario Regulation 1101 (O.Reg 1101). These include requirements for first aid stations, kit supply minimums, and first aid rooms.
What’s a First Aid Station?
A first aid station sounds a little more futuristic and high-tech than it is. The first aid station is like an information hub, supply closet, and records archive all in one. It’s a powerful little spot that occupies very little space. A first aid station includes
- A posted list of all certified first-aiders
- A copy of form 82
- Inspection cards with dates and signoffs for kit inspections
- The stocked first aid kit
- A log of all incidents requiring first aid
The location of these items, or “station,” needs to be easily accessible to employees. For example, the station needs to be in a common area, not locked in the supervisor’s office or hidden behind all of the mops and cleaning supplies in the utility room. The recommended location is in the vicinity of a certified first aider, but not hidden or inaccessible.
Not sure where to find O.Reg 1101? It’s available online and included in the 2023 Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act. Pre-order yours today!
What Needs to be in YOUR First Aid Kit?
All workplaces are required to have first aid kits. But, under O.Reg 1101, the contents vary depending on the number of employees you have who are present during any one shift. What needs to be in YOUR first aid kit?
If you have no more than five workers on any one shift, you’ll need:
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- 12 adhesive dressings individually wrapped
- 4 sterile gauze pads, 3 inches square
- 2 rolls of gauze bandage, 2 inches wide
- 2 field dressings, 4 inches square or 2 four-inch sterile bandage compresses
- 1 triangular bandage
If you have more than five workers, but not more than 15, you’ll need:
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- A current edition of a standard St. John Ambulance First Aid Manual
- 1 card of safety pins
- 24 adhesive dressings individually wrapped
- 12 sterile gauze pads, 3 inches square
- 4 rolls of 2-inch gauze bandage
- 4 rolls of 4-inch gauze bandage
- 4 sterile surgical pads suitable for pressure dressings, individually wrapped
- 6 triangular bandages
- 2 rolls of splint padding
- 1 roll-up splint
If you have more than 15 workers, but not more than 200, you’ll need:
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- A current edition of a standard St. John Ambulance First Aid Manual
- 24 safety pins
- 1 basin, preferably stainless steel
- 48 adhesive dressings individually wrapped
- 2 rolls of adhesive tape, 1 inch wide
- 12 rolls of 1-inch gauze bandage
- 48 sterile gauze pads, 3 inches square
- 8 rolls of 2-inch gauze bandage
- 8 rolls of 4-inch gauze bandage
- 6 sterile surgical pads suitable for pressure dressings, individually wrapped
- 12 triangular bandages
- 2 rolls of splint padding
- Splints – assorted sizes
Do you have questions about what you need in YOUR first aid kit?
Contact us! We’re here to help.
What if I have more than 200 workers?
If your workplace has more than 200 people on any one shift, a first aid room is required. Inside that room, there needs to be a kit that contains the same items listed for organizations with 5-15 workers, along with an extensive list of additional required items. The kit is so that a first aider can attend an accident scene anywhere on the worksite. The rest of the materials stock the first aid room for care inside of that room. The employer must ensure that the room is in the charge of either a staff RN or a certified employee who both works in the vicinity and performs work that won’t inhibit their ability to provide first aid if needed.
What’s on the list of items required for a First Aid Room? Check out O.Reg 1101!
Training
O.Reg 1101 doesn’t explicitly state the number of people that need to be trained and certified in first aid. However, Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) has specific requirements:
- “For workplaces with five or fewer people working on any one shift, at least one must have an emergency first aid certificate. This program is 6.5 hours long and is offered by organizations across the province.
- For workplaces with six or more people working on any shift, at least one must have a standard first aid certificate. This program is 13 hours long and is offered by organizations across the province.”
First Aid certification training must be delivered by an agency recognized through WSIB. BEST Safety Training uses Canadian Red Cross certified instructors who have been screened to meet our high standards of engagement, adult learning, and professionalism. The Canadian Red Cross is recognized as an approved provider by WSIB.
Get more information from the WSIB website
BEST Safety Training has seats available in our upcoming First Aid Training sessions:
February 9 & 10, 2023 from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm in St. Thomas, ON
February 22 & 23, 2023 from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm in St. Thomas, ON
March 7 & 8, 2023 from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm in St. Thomas, ON
March 28 & 29, 2023 from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm in St. Thomas, ON
Want to see more dates and offerings in your area? Check out the Course Calendar!
Not Sure Where to Start? BEST Safety Training Can Help
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See all onsite and virtual learning coming soon to your area!
To ask questions about our training programs or to book a consultation to help you develop a customized working at heights safety program contact us online or call 226.777.7385. Visit us 24/7 on the web at bestsafetytraining.ca.