New first-aid requirements will be in effect for B.C. employers in a few weeks.
On Tuesday, WorkSafeBC reminded employers to prepare for the changes that will take effect on Nov. 1. Changes are being made to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (OHSR).
Employers must review the changes and ensure their first-aid program meets the new standards.
"This may require additional first-aid training for attendants and acquiring new or different equipment,” says a WorkSafeBC spokesperson.
According to the announcement, the new first-aid requirements will impact many workplaces, particularly ones that are in areas not accessible to BC Emergency Health Services or specific equipment.
"The aim of the amendments to the OHSR is to enhance existing requirements and align occupational first aid in B.C. with CSA (Canadian Standards Association) standards,” says the spokesperson.
WorkSafeBC is aware of the challenges concerning suitable emergency transport for injured workers in remote locations.
The new requirements will hopefully lead to improved outcomes in case of injury or illness, says the agency.
As of Nov. 1, first-aid kits will need to include personal protective equipment and first-aid records. Advanced kits will need to have oxygen therapy equipment.
First-aid drills are part of the new regulations and require employers to carry out drills every year and also whenever there are substantial updates to procedures.
The new regulations include emergency transportation and allow for more flexibility in selecting alternative methods such as air transportation. More workplaces will require first-aid attendants to be trained with the skills and knowledge needed to prepare and transport injured or ill workers to medical aid.
Employers will be required to conduct and document a two-part first-aid assessment. Minimum levels of first aid may change for some workplaces and there may be new requirements for less accessible workplaces.
Changes include that people's first-aid certification levels are aligned with CSA standards. Level 1, 2 and 3 certificates and kits will now be called basic, intermediate and advanced.
For more details about the changes, visit WorkSafeBC. Anyone with questions about the new requirements can call 1-888-621-7233.
