The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has adopted new Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) first aid kit requirements based on the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) guidelines, providing clear provisions for first aid kits for employers to follow.
The new guidelines ensure OHS requirements for first aid kits are harmonized among all Canadian jurisdictions for common OHS safety standards and aligned with the National Occupational Health and Safety Reconciliation Agreement. This consistency helps organizations to more easily operate and provide safe work environments in multiple provinces.
The CSA Group standard for first aid equipment is now CSA Z1220-17, and the Newfoundland and Labrador OHS First Aid Regulations have been amended by the Office of Legislative Council to reflect this new standard.
OHS legislation currently requires employers to have first aid kits in their workplaces. Based on the amendment to the legislation, employers must reassess the risks of their workplace to ensure their current kit is suitable based on CSA standard Z1220-17. Businesses can obtain a copy of the standards from the CSA.
The amended Regulations will come into effect on January 1, 2021. The Provincial Government has included a clause that provides employers with a grace period of one year to bring their first aid kits in line with the CSA Standard.
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“Having a consistent standard among all jurisdictions for first aid kit regulations is a commitment agreed upon by the Council of Atlantic Premiers, and one that we are proud to implement. The primary goal of our OHS legislation is to protect the health and safety of all workers and this commitment will enhance occupational health and safety regulations.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL
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