Provide First Aid

From Response to Recovery: A Quick Guide to Workplace First Aid

Even in the safest workplaces, injuries and illnesses can still occur; when they do, your team needs to know how to respond. A strong first aid program helps you respond quickly, reduce the impact of workplace injuries, and supports injured workers’ recovery.

In BC, employers are legally required to provide first aid based on the risks in their workplace. That includes having trained first aid attendants, written procedures, and the right equipment and supplies in place. But it’s more than a legal requirement, it’s good business. Being prepared builds trust, supports worker well-being, and helps you respond effectively to both minor injuries and more serious incidents.

A strong program should be equipped to handle:

• Physical injuries (e.g., cuts, burns, sprains, fractures)
• Occupational illnesses (e.g., heat stress, chemical exposure, respiratory conditions)
• Mental health injuries (e.g., psychological trauma, anxiety after a challenging or dangerous interaction)

What to Include in Your First Aid Program

Your workplace first aid program should be based on a written first aid assessment that considers several key factors, including how many workers are onsite at any given time, your WorkSafeBC-assigned risk rating, the distance to the nearest ambulance station, and any site-specific hazards or unique workplace conditions. With your assessment as a guide, you’ll determine the required:

• Services: including how many attendants you need and what level of certification they require (i.e., basic, intermediate, advanced)
• Written Procedures: clear instructions for how to access first aid, who coordinates response, and how treatment is documented
• Supplies and Equipment: kits must meet minimum standards, be checked and restocked regularly
• Training and Certification: first aid attendants must be certified through a WorkSafeBC-approved provider
• Facilities and Transportation: in some cases, a designated first aid room, dressing station, or transportation procedures are required

Review and update your assessment and related documents at least once a year, or whenever significant operational changes occurs, such as seasonal closures/openings.

First Aid Drills & Training Your Staff

Regular first aid drills and staff training are key to ensuring your team is ready to respond. Practicing procedures helps everyone understand their roles, locate supplies quickly, and test how well your current procedures work in real time. Debriefing after drills can reveal gaps, so you can improve before a real emergency. Run drills at least once a year, or whenever your procedures or teams change.

Managing Injuries and Claims

First aid is only the beginning of your response. Injuries that require medical attention or result in time off must be managed appropriately and reported to WorkSafeBC. That’s where Injury Management (Return to Work) and Claims Management come in.

Employers and workers both have a legal duty to cooperate in getting injured staff the support they need and planning a safe return to work. Your first aid program is an important part of that process as it’s where good injury management begins. We have created separate resources to guide you through both injury and claims management, linked below.

More Information and Resources

Customizable Templates

• First Aid Assessment Worksheet (WorkSafeBC)
• First Aid Record (WorkSafeBC)
• Patient Assessment Form (WorkSafeBC)
• First Aid Procedure Example (go2HR)
• Minor Injury Handouts (WorkSafeBC)
• First Aid Drill Planning Template (go2HR)
• First Aid Drill Example Report (go2HR)
• Safety Talk for Ski Areas: Responding to First Aid Calls Safely (go2HR)

Additional Information

• Understand the Changes to First Aid Regulatory Requirements (go2HR)
• First Aid FAQ (go2HR)
• Workplace First Aid (WorkSafeBC)
• First Aid FAQ (WorkSafeBC)
• First Aid Video Series (WorkSafeBC)
• Approved First Aid Training Providers (WorkSafeBC)
• Injury Management (go2HR)
• Claims Management (go2HR) 
• 1:1 First Aid Advisory Services (go2HR)

Online Training

• OHS Program Fundamentals Module 9: Injury Management (go2HR)

Webinar Recordings

• First Aid Webinar Series & Resources (go2HR)
• Bill 41 Return to Work Workshop (go2HR & WorkSafeBC)

Need Help?

We’re here to support you at any stage of the process. Contact us for guidance, templates, or one-on-one support tailored to your business.