When a medical emergency or injury happens at work, appropriate First Aid facilities and training can mean the difference between life and death. Making sure our workplaces meet the minimum requirements for First Aid is fundamental to ensuring health and safety.
The Nova Scotia Safety Branch has notified us that changes to the First Aid regulations are coming into effect on June 13, 2022.
According to the Safety Branch:
“Under the National Occupational Health and Safety Reconciliation Agreement, signed in 2019, Nova Scotia committed to harmonize the workplace first aid training first aid kit requirements based on new Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standards.
These amendments respond to stakeholders’ requests to modernize the regulations to improve clarity, reduce regulatory burden for businesses, and harmonize workplace first aid requirements with other jurisdictions where possible”.
The Safety Branch has produced a plain language document called Workplace First Aid – A guide for Employers and First Aiders. You can find a copy on their web site: Workplace First Aid – A guide for Employers and First Aiders
This guide explains the first aid facilities that Nova Scotia employers must provide in the workplace. It details the first aid equipment that must be available, how many first aiders should be onsite, what training those first aiders should have, and how to write a workplace first aid plan.
Read the guide! If you aren’t sure your workplace meets the minimum standards, ask questions!
We’re always here to help with any issues you have related to health and safety in your workplace. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns.