Workplace injuries can happen at any time, and having the right first aid supplies on hand can make all the difference in how serious that injury becomes, how quickly the person recovers and the confidence of workplace first aiders responding to emergencies.
In Ontario, employers are required to provide appropriate first aid equipment based on their workplace size and risk level. But beyond compliance, the real question is:
Is your first aid kit actually prepared for a real emergency?
Workplace First Aid Requirements in Ontario
Ontario workplaces must follow first aid requirements under WSIB Regulation 1101 which outline:
- The type of first aid kit required
- The number of trained first aiders
- The need for accessible and properly maintained equipment
These requirements typically depend on:
- Number of employees on shift
- Type of work (low-risk vs high-risk environments like manufacturing)
- Workplace location and layout
Use these individual checklists to ensure your workplace is meeting the standards:
- 1 to 5 workers per shift
- 6 to 15 workers per shift
- more than 15 workers per shift
- workplace vehicles
- bush/farm workers
It’s not just about having a first aid kit—it’s about having the right kit, in the right place, with trained people ready to use it.
What Should Be in a Workplace First Aid Kit?
While exact contents vary by workplace, most kits should include the following essentials:
Basic Supplies
- Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
- Sterile gauze pads and rolls (various sizes)
- Medical adhesive tape
- ABD pads
Cleaning & Protection
Emergency Supplies
Larger workplaces (with 15 or more workers) also require the following:
For a comprehensive checklist for your workplace according to WSIB regulations click here.
To buy a WSIB compliant workplace designed for your size click here.
Common Workplace First Aid Kit Mistakes
Even when workplaces have first aid kits, they’re often not ready when needed. Common issues include:
Expired or missing supplies
Picture this: Your co-worker gets cut so you head to the first aid kit. But all the bandages are expired! You go to grab some gauze but it is moldy!
Not only should your first aid kit be stocked and readily available, workplaces need to ensure supplies are sterile and up to date.
Kits stored in hard-to-access locations
Where is the workplace first aid kit stored? Is it easily accessible to all employees, especially those with first aid training? Is it behind any locked doors? Is it blocked by clutter? Ensuring the first aid kit is easy to find and accessible can make all the difference in an emergency.
No regular inspection process
According to WSIB Regulation 1101, first aid kits need to be checked and inspected every 3 months (quarterly). Use our easy-to-follow workplace first aid kit checklists to ensure your kit is always stocked and up to date.
Employees not trained to use the contents
Is there a first aid trained worker on every shift? Do they know where the first aid kit is and how to use all the contents? What if the first aid trained worker is the one hurt? Download our quick guide first aid cards to put with your first aid kit. They are a great reminder for first aid trained personnel and can be a quick learn guide for any bystander.
When a First Aid Kit Isn’t Enough
First aid kits are essential, but they have limitations.
In serious emergencies such as loss of consciousness, severe trauma or sudden cardiac arrest, basic supplies alone may not be enough.
That’s where additional equipment becomes critical.
Do You Need an AED in Your Workplace?
When a cardiac emergency happens, every second matters.
Performing CPR can help, but in many cases, an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is what actually saves a life.
So the question is: Does your workplace need an AED?
What Is an AED?
An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is a portable device used to treat sudden cardiac arrest.
It works by:
- Analyzing the patient’s heart rhythm
- Delivering a shock if needed
- Guiding the user through each step with voice prompts
AEDs are designed for anyone to use, not just medical professionals and first aid trained personnel.
Why AEDs Matter
Sudden cardiac arrest is time-sensitive. Lack of oxygen to the brain begins to affect brain function in 4-6 minutes. Quick action of CPR can help the brain continue to get oxygen, but it cannot fix the issue with the heart. That is where the AED comes in.
- Survival rates decrease by 7–10% for every minute without defibrillation
- Emergency services may take several minutes to arrive (average time for Ontario is 8-13 minutes)
An AED allows immediate action for the patient’s heart, before the paramedics even get there.
Are AEDs Required in Ontario Workplaces?
In most cases, AEDs are not legally required in Ontario workplaces.
However, they are strongly recommended as a best practice—especially in environments where:
- There are large numbers of people (more than 100 people per day)
- Emergency response times may be delayed (rural locations)
- Workers are exposed to higher physical or environmental stress (construction sites)
The focus is shifting from minimum compliance to proactive preparedness!
Workplaces That Should Strongly Consider AEDs
While any workplace can benefit, AEDs are especially important in:
- Manufacturing and industrial settings
- Construction sites
- Warehouses and distribution centres
- Offices with large teams
- Fitness facilities and public spaces
If your workplace has risk factors or limited access to emergency services, an AED can be critical to saving a life.
AED + First Aid = Complete Preparedness
The most prepared workplaces don’t rely on just one solution.
They combine first aid trained staff with fully stocked first aid kits and access to AEDs.
This layered approach ensures your team is ready for both common injuries and critical emergencies.
Be Ready When It Matters Most
KMW Outreach can help you:
- Choose the right AED for your workplace
- Support ongoing AED maintenance and readiness
- First aid kit restocking programs
- Workplace safety assessments
- First aid & CPR training
Prepared workplaces protect people.
