WSIB First Aid Requirements in Ontario 2026: Does Your Workplace Need Basic or Intermediate First Aid?

Ontario’s workplace first aid requirements are governed by Regulation 1101 under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act. These rules dictate how many first aiders you need on a shift, what goes inside your first aid kits, and what training counts as valid for compliance. In 2026, the WSIB First Aid Program was modernized to align with national Canadian Standards Association standards, marking the most significant update to workplace first aid training in years. This guide explains what changed, what stayed the same, and exactly what your Ontario workplace needs to comply.

What Are the WSIB First Aid Requirements in Ontario?

Ontario Regulation 1101 under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act governs workplace first aid requirements for most Ontario employers. The regulation applies to all workplaces covered by WSIA regardless of industry and sets clear minimum standards every employer must meet.

The core legal obligations under Regulation 1101 include having at least one trained first aider available on every shift while workers are on duty, maintaining first aid kits with contents prescribed by the regulation based on workforce size, posting the WSIB Form 82 “In Case of Injury at Work” poster, keeping records of all first aid treatment provided in the workplace, and conducting quarterly inspections of first aid supplies and equipment.

These requirements apply regardless of employment status. Full-time, part-time, seasonal, contract, and temporary workers all count toward your shift headcount. Remote or off-site locations where employees regularly work are also covered. Construction workplaces face additional requirements under Ontario Regulation 213/91, and higher-risk employers should consider exceeding the minimums in Regulation 1101.

For a full breakdown of every change under the 2026 WSIB First Aid Program and what stayed the same, see the official information at wsib.ca/en/firstaid.

What Changed in the WSIB First Aid Program on June 22, 2026?

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board updated its First Aid Program effective June 22, 2026 to align with the Canadian Standards Association’s CSA Z1210:24 standard for workplace first aid training. The main goals include standardized curriculum across all approved training providers in Ontario, improved quality management and consistent learner evaluation, updated practical skills relevant to today’s workplaces, and expanded provider networks to improve access across the province.

The most visible change is the course name update. Emergency First Aid is now called Basic First Aid (formerly Emergency First Aid) in training. Standard First Aid is now called Intermediate First Aid (formerly Standard First Aid). An important nuance: in the text of Regulation 1101 itself, the names Emergency First Aid and Standard First Aid remain unchanged. The new names Basic First Aid and Intermediate First Aid appear in the updated training program under CSA Z1210:24. For compliance purposes, Basic First Aid is accepted as equivalent to Emergency First Aid, and Intermediate First Aid is accepted as equivalent to Standard First Aid.

Regulation 1101 compliance thresholds have not changed. The employee-per-shift thresholds, the three-year certificate validity period, and the requirement to use WSIB-approved providers all remain exactly the same. Certificates issued before June 22, 2026 by approved providers remain valid until their printed expiry date. For the most current information, visit the official WSIB first aid page.

There are also important changes for instructors. Instructors must be 18 years or older to teach under the new program and must complete a First Aid Update Course. Emergency First Aid instructors must complete a transition course to continue teaching. All providers must reapply for approval under the updated program requirements. After June 22, 2026, only providers approved under the updated program can issue valid certificates.

How Many Employees Determine Which First Aid Level You Need?

The required first aid training level under Regulation 1101 depends on the number of workers present on any given shift. Here is exactly how it breaks down:

Workplaces With 1 to 5 Employees Per Shift: Basic First Aid

Workplaces with one to five workers per shift must have at least one worker certified in Basic First Aid (formerly Emergency First Aid). This is a one-day course of approximately 6 to 8 hours covering CPR, AED use, choking response, bleeding control, shock management, and recognition of common medical emergencies. You can read a full breakdown of what the course covers in our guide on what is Basic First Aid in Ontario.

Workplaces With 6 or More Employees Per Shift: Intermediate First Aid

Workplaces with six to 199 workers per shift must have at least one worker certified in Intermediate First Aid (formerly Standard First Aid). This is a two-day course of approximately 13 hours covering everything in Basic First Aid plus head and spine injuries, fractures and dislocations, eye injuries, burns, environmental emergencies, poisoning, and multi-casualty management. Our full guide on Intermediate First Aid courses in Ontario covers registration options and course formats in detail.

Workplaces With 200 or More Employees Per Shift: First Aid Room

Workplaces with 200 or more workers per shift must maintain a fully equipped first aid room under Section 11 of Regulation 1101. The first aid room must include washbasins, running water, instrument sterilizers, a stretcher, and appropriate medical supplies, and must be staffed by a qualified first aid attendant or nursing staff on every shift. These large workplaces must also maintain the appropriate number of trained first aiders throughout the facility.

There is no fixed ratio of first aiders to total employees under the regulation. The requirement is that at least one qualified person must be present on every shift. WSIB guidance recommends employers ensure first aiders are accessible throughout the facility so any injured worker can receive help promptly. Employers with large footprints, multiple floors, or remote worksites should train additional staff beyond the legal minimum to ensure practical coverage on every shift.

As best practice, train more than the minimum number of certified first aiders to account for vacation, illness, shift changes, and remote work arrangements. Higher-risk workplaces in manufacturing, warehousing, and construction should treat Intermediate First Aid as their default level and consider adding AED training or Basic Life Support certification where appropriate.

What First Aid Kits Does WSIB Require in Ontario?

Regulation 1101 specifies first aid kit requirements that are just as important as training. Employers must provide specific kits based on employee numbers per shift, maintained in good condition in easily accessible locations throughout the workplace.

All first aid kits must include a current edition of an approved first aid manual. Kits must be inspected at least quarterly under Regulation 1101, with inspection records showing the date and signature of the inspector. Any depleted or expired items must be replaced immediately. CSA Z1220-17 compliant kits are accepted as an alternative to the Regulation 1101 kit lists, giving employers flexibility in their sourcing.

Additional requirements and best practices: Automated External Defibrillators are strongly recommended for larger workplaces. Under Ontario Regulation 213/91, all construction sites active for longer than three months must have an AED on-site. Workplaces must also provide naloxone kits where required by Ontario law. Employers should consider extra gloves, pocket masks, and hazard-specific items beyond the regulatory minimum to reflect the actual risks in their workplace.

The Real Cost of Non-Compliance: OHSA Penalties in Ontario

Ontario now has the highest occupational health and safety penalties in Canada. Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, corporations found in violation of workplace safety requirements, including first aid deficiencies under Regulation 1101, can face fines up to $2,000,000 per offence. Directors and officers of corporations face personal liability up to $1,500,000. All other individuals face fines up to $500,000. Convictions can also carry up to 12 months imprisonment.

The enforcement landscape grew significantly more rigorous in 2025. Under Bill 30, the Working for Workers Seven Act, Ontario Ministry of Labour inspectors can now issue Administrative Monetary Penalties directly without court prosecution. This means financial penalties can be applied faster and more broadly than before. An inspector conducting a routine visit can issue a penalty on the spot for a first aid deficiency, an unsigned inspection log, or an expired certificate, without the process going to court.

For repeat offenders, the consequences escalate further. A corporation convicted of a second or subsequent offence resulting in the death or serious injury of a worker within a two-year period faces a minimum fine of $500,000 regardless of mitigating circumstances. First aid deficiencies are among the most common triggers for Ministry of Labour compliance orders. An expired certificate or a missing kit inspection record can establish the first link in that chain, setting the stage for dramatically elevated penalties if a subsequent incident occurs.

The cost of a compliant first aid program, including training, kits, and recertification, is a fraction of a single compliance order. For most Ontario workplaces, maintaining compliance is not just a legal obligation but the most cost-effective safety investment available.

Your 2026 WSIB First Aid Compliance Audit Checklist

Use this checklist to audit your current first aid program before the next Ministry of Labour inspection or before your next training renewal cycle. Every item on this list is a requirement under Regulation 1101 or a direct compliance risk that inspectors commonly flag.

Training and Certification

Confirm the number of workers on your busiest shift. If one to five, at least one must hold a valid Basic First Aid certificate. If six or more, at least one must hold a valid Intermediate First Aid certificate. Check every certificate expiry date. A certificate that expires tomorrow is the same compliance risk as one that expired six months ago. Confirm your training provider is on the current WSIB approved provider list under the updated 2026 program. Confirm you have enough certified first aiders to cover every shift, including during vacations and sick days.

First Aid Kits and Equipment

Verify your kit type matches your workforce size: Section 8 for one to five workers, Section 9 for six to fifteen, Section 10 for sixteen to 199, with a stretcher and two blankets if you have sixteen or more. Check that all kit contents are present, unexpired, and in usable condition. Confirm your kit includes a current edition of an approved first aid manual. If you have 200 or more workers per shift, verify your first aid room is fully stocked and staffed on every shift.

Documentation and Signage

Check that the WSIB Form 82 “In Case of Injury at Work” poster is posted prominently near every first aid station. Confirm quarterly kit inspection records are up to date with dates and inspector signatures. Verify your first aid incident log is current and all treatments are recorded. For construction sites active more than three months, confirm an AED is on-site as required by Ontario Regulation 213/91.

What Are the Other WSIB Workplace First Aid Compliance Requirements?

Beyond training and kits, Regulation 1101 requires employers to document all first aid incidents and, when required, report injuries and illnesses to WSIB using Form 7 for lost-time or medical-aid injuries. Employers must keep a first aid log or treatment record, and accurate documentation supports both compliance and internal workplace safety analysis.

Employers must also conduct a written first aid assessment for each workplace. This assessment determines the appropriate aid level, number of certified first aiders needed, and the size and type of kits required. Use your first aid incident data to improve your overall program. Look for trends such as recurring injuries in specific areas, frequent supply shortages, or gaps in coverage during certain shifts.

The 2026 modernization is an ideal trigger for a complete program review covering training certifications, kit contents, signage, incident reporting processes, and emergency response plans. Treat it as an opportunity to build a safer workplace rather than just a name-change exercise.

Industry-Specific First Aid Requirements in Ontario

While Regulation 1101 applies to most Ontario workplaces, several industries face additional or enhanced first aid obligations based on their specific risk profiles.

Construction and Industrial Workplaces

Construction workplaces are subject to additional requirements under Ontario Regulation 213/91 in addition to Regulation 1101. All construction sites active for longer than three months must have an Automated External Defibrillator on-site. Industrial workplaces with higher injury risk should train first aiders at the Intermediate First Aid level regardless of shift headcount and consider advanced training for supervisors and safety officers. In 2024, Ontario’s industrial sector reported 26 workplace fatalities, down from 32 in 2023, reflecting a sector where first aid readiness can be the difference between survival and a fatality.

Healthcare and Clinical Settings

Healthcare professionals in clinical settings typically require Basic Life Support rather than a standard workplace first aid certificate. BLS covers high-performance CPR, multi-rescuer scenarios, and advanced airway management beyond what Regulation 1101 requires for most workplaces. Hospitals, clinics, dental offices, and other healthcare environments should confirm whether their specific role and regulatory body requires BLS, Intermediate First Aid, or both.

Schools, Child Care, and Youth Organizations

Schools, licensed child care centres, and youth organizations often require Intermediate First Aid as their minimum standard regardless of shift headcount, given the higher duty of care for children. Many licensing bodies and funders require CPR/AED Level C with infant and child components alongside the first aid certificate. Staff in these settings should verify the specific requirements of their licensing body, school board, or regulatory authority in addition to WSIB Regulation 1101.

What Happens If Your Workplace Is Not First Aid Compliant?

Non-compliance with Regulation 1101 triggers consequences at multiple levels. A Ministry of Labour inspector can issue an order to comply, a stop-work order, or an Administrative Monetary Penalty on the spot without court involvement. Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, a corporation convicted of a violation faces fines up to $2,000,000. Directors and officers face personal liability up to $1,500,000. For a second or subsequent corporate offence resulting in worker death or serious injury within two years, a minimum $500,000 fine applies regardless of mitigating circumstances.

Non-compliance also affects your WSIB experience rating, increasing your premium costs over time. If a worker is injured and no certified first aider is present, the employer faces compounded liability: WSIB penalties, OHSA prosecution risk, potential civil claims, and the human cost of a preventable outcome.

The most common compliance gaps found during inspections are expired certificates, first aiders who have left the company without replacements being trained, kits that have not been restocked after use, missing or unsigned quarterly inspection records, and missing or outdated Form 82 signage. A quick audit of these five areas will identify most compliance risks before an inspector does.

Choosing a WSIB-Approved First Aid Training Provider in 2026

For your workplace first aid training to count toward compliance under Regulation 1101, you must use a WSIB-approved training provider. Only providers approved under the updated program can issue valid certificates after June 22, 2026. When selecting a provider, confirm current WSIB approval status under the updated program, alignment with CSA Z1210:24, proven experience delivering workplace first aid and CPR/AED training, availability of blended learning, and the ability to deliver on-site training across Ontario.

Some national organizations advertise “Canada-wide approval” but Ontario employers must specifically verify WSIB approval. Check provider status at wsib.ca/en/firstaid or email firstaid@wsib.on.ca directly to confirm.

Coast2Coast First Aid and Aquatics is a WSIB-approved Canadian Red Cross training partner offering Basic First Aid, Intermediate First Aid, CPR/AED Level C, Basic Life Support, and recertification courses tailored to Ontario workplaces. Public courses run weekly across Ontario locations. Private group training and on-site delivery for organizations of any size are available through our private group training program. View our WSIB compliance page for a full overview of compliance-focused training options.

How to Get Your Workplace First Aid Compliant Quickly

Getting compliant does not need to be complicated. Start by auditing your current state: count the number of workers on your busiest shift, check the expiry dates on all existing certificates, verify your kit contents and inspection records, and confirm your Form 82 is posted. Then determine which level you need. One to five employees per shift requires Basic First Aid. Six or more requires Intermediate First Aid.

Book training with a WSIB-approved provider before any certificates lapse. For teams of five or more, private on-site group training is typically faster, more cost-effective, and less disruptive than sending staff to public courses individually. Basic First Aid takes one day. Intermediate First Aid takes two days. Coast2Coast can schedule private on-site training at your workplace with as little as a few days notice for larger groups. Contact Coast2Coast directly to discuss priority scheduling if your compliance deadline is urgent.

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