The landscape of workplace safety in British Columbia has shifted with the latest updates to WorkSafeBC’s first aid requirements, which took effect on November 1st, 2024.
These changes are specifically designed to bolster emergency support systems within the workplace. This enhancement is particularly crucial in high-risk and remote work environments across the province, such as the construction industry, where workers may face unique challenges and hazards.
Techcouver recently connected with Fundamental First Aid, a leading first aid training provider in Vancouver, to delve into these changes and what they signify for employers now that they are in force.
Blake Steinson, Founder and President at Fundamental First Aid, highlights the crucial need for employers to implement a new, written first aid assessment at each job site, ensuring compliance with the updated regulations and preparedness for any emergencies.
Can you tell me a little bit about Fundamental First Aid?
BS: Fundamental First Aid Ltd. is a leading first aid training provider in Vancouver, offering a range of WorkSafeBC and Canadian Red Cross-certified courses. Fundamental First Aid focuses on delivering engaging and thoughtful training sessions facilitated by experienced instructors in a well-equipped and pleasing environment. Located conveniently near Downtown Vancouver, Fundamental First Aid provides easy and accessible first aid courses and on-site visits to professionals outside the Downtown core. Courses cater to various needs, from basic to advanced first aid skills, ensuring participants gain confidence and essential life-saving abilities. Employers interested in learning more can visit fundamentalfirstaid.ca for more information.
What do employers need to know now that WorkSafeBC’s regulation changes are in full swing?
BS: The WorkSafeBC Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulation changes, which came into effect on Friday, November 1st, 2024, now require employers to adhere to updated standards regarding the number of first aid attendants on shift, their certification levels, and the specifications and contents of first aid kits on site. WorkSafeBC made it mandatory that employers complete a new written first aid assessment by October 31st, 2024, to ensure first aid compliance with the new regulations. Employers are also required to conduct annual first aid drills to familiarize employees with emergency response procedures, including how to request first aid, access equipment, and when and how to call an ambulance if needed.
Are there industries that will be more impacted than others due to these changes?
BS: B.C.’s urban construction industry will be heavily impacted due to new regulations that heighten first aid requirements for less accessible worksites. For example, locations that can only be accessed via ladders or scaffolding may now require first aid attendants to have additional training, such as a Transportation Endorsement course, or even a two week Advanced First Aid course.
How can Fundamental First Aid help employers navigate these changes? Have you created any technology that can help employers with this process?
BS: Through our website, we have several resources for employers, including a summary of the changes, a guide to completing the mandatory written first aid assessment, and a list of the new first aid kit requirements. In terms of technology, we’ve created an interactive Minimum First Aid Requirement Calculator that tells employees exactly what new regulations they need to implement based on the size of the company, distance to the closest ambulance base, and job site accessibility.
How can you help employees with new requirements, like ensuring all employees participate in annual first aid drills?
BS: Fundamental First Aid offers all levels of WorkSafeBC first aid courses, with instructional methods specifically designed to engage and enhance participants’ ability to learn and retain essential life-saving techniques for critical situations. Our facility, located at 1868 Glen Dr. in Vancouver, offers a clean and modern environment, is conveniently located near downtown with free parking, and is equipped with quality, high-tech equipment to enhance the first aid training experience.
Anything else you think British Columbians should be aware of?
BS: Now that November 1st has passed and these regulation changes are in full effect, employers must ensure that they’re familiarizing their employees with mandatory first aid training. Although this may sound like a chore, it’s important, and required, that employers are well-prepared for workplace emergencies. At Fundamental First Aid, our first aid training courses are designed to be more than just a course. These sessions are an engaging experience that boosts confidence and skills in a setting that is far from the usual community centre environment. Our knowledgeable instructors teach dynamically, ensuring that participants not only gain vital life-saving skills, but also enjoy an enriching and interactive learning experience.
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