TORONTO — The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has launched a modernized First Aid Program to help ensure safer workplaces across Ontario.
According to a release, the updated program will improve the quality and consistency of workplace training.
The WSIB’s program covers 76 per cent of Ontario businesses, under First Aid Regulation 1101, which provides guidelines for how many first aiders are needed on worksites as well as other requirements for kits and stations.
Key updates to the First Aid Program include:
- Bringing training in line with national standards set by Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Z1210:24, First aid training for the workplace — Curriculum and quality management for training agencies.
- Expanding the network of approved training providers to 65 across Ontario.
- Instituting First Aid Program badges to verify the status of approved providers and their affiliates. Only WSIB-approved providers are authorized to deliver workplace first aid training in the province.
“By bringing our program up to national standards and expanding our network of approved providers, we’re breaking down barriers for businesses,” said Carrie Briley, director, health and safety program design at the WSIB, in a statement. “We’re also making it easy for people to spot and access WSIB approved providers so it’s easier than ever for workplaces to get the training they need.”
The WSIB will continue to accept all workplace first aid certificates from anywhere in Canada, provided they meet the CSA Z1210 standard.
All first aid certificates issued by previous WSIB-approved providers up until June 21 will remain valid until their expiry date.
