Workplace first aid requirements
First Aid & CPR British Columbia
If you run or manage a workplace in British Columbia — an office, shop, construction site or factory — the law requires you to have enough trained first-aiders on your staff, ready to help a colleague in an emergency.
An employer duty — to rescue a colleague
Workplace first aid is not a job qualification: it is the employer's duty to appoint and train enough first-aiders, scaled to headcount and risk level, so someone can act immediately if a colleague is injured. The exact number and rules depend on the regulations that apply in British Columbia.
What the law requires in British Columbia
How many designated first-aiders?
The number and level of attendants are set by cross-referencing three Schedule 3-A factors: hazard rating (low/moderate/high by classification unit), maximum number of workers per shift, and accessibility to medical services (close <20 min, remote >20 min, less-accessible). At least one attendant once any worker is present; Basic/Intermediate/Advanced levels and first-aid rooms scale up with headcount and hazard.
As a Canadian province, British Columbia has its own occupational health and safety framework with jurisdiction over all workplaces.
Online theory is recognized, but WorkSafeBC requires in-person hands-on assessment of psychomotor skills; occupational certifications (Basic/Intermediate/Advanced) mandate an in-person practical component.
Region specifics
- As of November 1, 2024, the legacy OFA (Levels 1/2/3) system was renamed Basic/Intermediate/Advanced and aligned to CSA Z1210/Z1220; intermediate training dropped from 35 to ~14 hours.
- The hazard rating comes from the employer's WorkSafeBC classification unit rather than self-assessment, unique among Canadian jurisdictions.
- Ambulance (BCEHS) accessibility — close, remote or less-accessible — directly changes the required attendant level.
Why it matters
A workplace emergency can happen at any time. When it does, the difference between a positive outcome and a tragedy often comes down to whether someone nearby is trained to respond. Having certified first aiders on staff isn't just a legal requirement — it's an investment in your team's safety.
Is this really what you're looking for?
Our first-aid and CPR courses are 100% online, lead to a recognized certification, and exceed the required standards; a hybrid option is also available and fits most needs. Choose the course that fits your situation:
The course
Our course, built to the CSA Z1210-17 standard, 100% online and leading to a certification, meets and exceeds this requirement.
CSA Z1210-17First Aid – Healthcare Professional (16h) - Compliant with CSA Z1210-17
This 16-hour first aid training, compliant with the CSA Z1210-17 standard, is specifically designed for healthcare professionals. Upon completion, the candidate will receive a certification valid for two years, meeting the requirements of 'Intermediate First Aid Training' as defined in the CSA Z1210-17 standard. Skills will be updated annually, and the training must be renewed every two years to maintain active certification. Tailored for nurses, it strengthens the safety of residents in long-term care facilities and other healthcare settings.
CSA Z1210-17First Aid – Intermediate Level (16h) – CSA Z1210-17 Compliant
Upon successful completion of this 16-hour IN-PERSON intermediate-level first aid training, the candidate will receive a valid certification that meets the requirements of 'Intermediate First Aid Training' as defined in the CSA Z1210-17 standard.
Specifically need the "Workplace first aid" certificate?
That specific regulatory certificate must be completed in full with the legislating body: WorkSafeBC (Workers' Compensation Board of British Columbia).
WorkSafeBC authorizes the agencies allowed to teach first-aid programs and certify attendants; only their certifications are valid. A non-approved provider does not satisfy the requirement, and in-person hands-on assessment is mandatory.
Visit the official site — WorkSafeBC (Workers' Compensation Board of British Columbia)