⚠️ Construction is classified as a HIGH hazard workplace under WorkSafeBC. This means your required kit level (Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced), the number of certified first aid attendants, and whether a dressing station or emergency transport vehicle is required are all determined by your written First Aid Assessment — specifically your crew size per shift, hazard rating, and surface travel time to the nearest hospital with an emergency department.
Complete your assessment at WorkSafeBC → This assessment must be reviewed annually and whenever there is a significant change in site operations.
Part A: Construction Site-Specific First Aid Standards
Kit Accessibility & Location: First aid kit is mounted or stored in a clearly marked, accessible location known to all workers on shift. On multi-zone or large sites, verify that each distinct work area has a kit — workers must not have to travel more than a reasonable distance to access first aid. (OHS Regulation Part 3, s.3.16)
Mobile Kit for Dispersed Crews: If workers operate away from the primary site compound (e.g., service vehicles, remote excavation zones), a Personal or Basic first aid kit is present in each vehicle or with each dispersed crew. (OHS Guideline G3.16 — first aid must be accessible at all times work is in progress)
Eye Wash & Sterile Eyewash Supply: Check expiry dates on sealed sterile saline eyewash bottles or pods. Critical for sites involving grinding, cutting, concrete work, chemical handling, or airborne dust. Replace immediately if expired or seal is broken. Where chemical splash risk exists, a dedicated eyewash station should be within 10 seconds of the hazard.
Tourniquet Condition & Accessibility: Arterial bleed tourniquet (windlass or ratcheting type) is present, in-date, unpackaged for immediate deployment, and all workers have been briefed on its location. Construction has an elevated risk of severe lacerations and crush injuries from power tools, saws, and heavy equipment. (BC-specific mandatory requirement in all kit levels)
Burn Treatment Supplies: Check expiry dates on hydrogel burn dressings. Gel must be fully hydrated and sealed. Required for welding, torch cutting, hot materials, electrical flash burns, and chemical skin contact common on construction sites.
Eye Dressing Sets (Intermediate & Advanced Kits): Verify that sterile eye dressing pad sets with eye shields and elastic straps are fully stocked and within expiry. Construction workers face high exposure to debris, concrete dust, nail gun fragments, and airborne particles.
Splint for Fracture Risk: Padded malleable splint (minimum 10.2 x 61 cm) is present and undamaged. Falls from heights, scaffold collapses, and struck-by incidents make limb fractures one of the most common serious injuries on BC construction sites.
Kit Condition — Weatherproofing: Kit container is intact, weatherproof, and sealed. Outdoor and site-based kits are exposed to rain, dust, and temperature extremes. Verify no moisture, contamination, or UV damage has compromised any supplies.
Emergency Site Access & Communication: The site address, GPS coordinates, or access instructions are posted at the first aid station and the site entrance so that emergency responders can locate the worksite quickly. A communication device (cell phone, radio, or satellite communicator for remote sites) is available to the first aid attendant at all times.
Part B: WorkSafeBC Administrative Requirements (All Workplaces)
Written First Aid Assessment on File: A documented first aid assessment has been completed for this site and is current. Must be reviewed annually or whenever there is a significant change in crew size, site layout, hazard profile, or operations. (OHS Regulation Part 3, s.3.16)
First Aid Records: Blank first aid records are stocked inside the kit and a completed log is being maintained for all injuries treated on site. On multi-employer sites, each employer is responsible for maintaining records for their own workers. (Required by OHS Regulation)
Contents List in Kit: A printed contents list is present inside the kit for inspection reference. (Required in all WorkSafeBC kits)
Certified First Aid Attendant on Every Shift: At least one worker on shift holds a valid WorkSafeBC-recognized first aid certificate at the level required by your First Aid Assessment (Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced). Certificate must be current. For most construction sites, an Intermediate certificate (formerly OFA 2) is required. (OHS Regulation Part 3)
Annual First Aid Drill Completed: A first aid drill has been conducted within the last 12 months (or since the last significant change to first aid procedures) and the results have been documented. The drill must test workers' awareness of how to call for first aid, how well the communication system works, and the ability of attendants to respond. (Required by OHS Regulation, effective Nov 1, 2024)
PPE Stocked at Station: Non-latex examination gloves (multiple sizes), medical-grade face masks, and face shield or safety eyewear are stocked at or in the first aid station for use by the attendant. (Required in all kit levels — OHS Guideline G3.16)
Prime Contractor First Aid Coordination (Multi-Employer Sites): On sites with more than one employer, the prime contractor has established and documented how first aid services are coordinated across all trades. Responsibility for shared first aid services must be clearly assigned in writing. Each employer remains responsible for the first aid needs of their own workers. (OHS Regulation s.3.16 and prime contractor obligations under the Workers Compensation Act)
Joint Health & Safety Committee or Worker Safety Representative: If 20 or more workers are regularly employed at the workplace, a Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) must be established. If 10–19 workers are employed, a Worker Health and Safety Representative must be designated. First aid assessment and procedures must be developed in consultation with the JHSC or representative. (Workers Compensation Act, Part 2, Division 5)
Notice of Project Filed (Where Required): A Notice of Project (NOP) has been submitted to WorkSafeBC prior to commencement, if required. An NOP is mandatory for projects where work is expected to last longer than 14 days and involves 10 or more workers, OR any project involving excavation/trenching deeper than 1.5 m. The NOP must be posted at the worksite. (OHS Regulation Part 20, s.20.2)
Written First Aid Procedures Posted: Written first aid procedures are posted at the site, accessible to all workers, and include: how to call for first aid, the location of first aid kits and stations, the name(s) of certified first aid attendants on shift, and the procedure for transporting an injured worker to hospital. (OHS Regulation s.3.16(1)(b))
Emergency Transport Plan: The site has a documented plan for transporting seriously injured workers to the nearest qualifying hospital (one with an emergency department and a physician on duty or immediately available). For remote or less-accessible sites where BCEHS ambulance response exceeds 30 minutes, an emergency transport vehicle (ETV) or equivalent is on-site as required by your First Aid Assessment. (OHS Regulation Schedule 3-A)
Dressing Station (If Required): If your First Aid Assessment requires a dressing station (typically triggered by worker counts and hazard levels per Schedule 3-A), verify it is clean, dry, accessible, equipped with running water or potable water, properly lit and ventilated, and identified with clear signage indicating the first aid attendant's contact information. (OHS Regulation s.3.17)
Part C: WorkSafeBC Basic First Aid Kit Contents (CSA Z1220-17 + BC Requirements)
Adhesive Bandages: 50 x Sterile adhesive bandages, assorted sizes (standard strip, large fingertip, knuckle, large patch).
Gauze Pads (3"): 24 x Sterile gauze pads, individually wrapped, 7.6 x 7.6 cm (3" x 3").
Abdominal Pads: 2 x Sterile abdominal pads, individually wrapped, 12.7 x 22.9 cm (5" x 9").
Conforming Stretch Bandage (2"): 2 x Rolls, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 5.1 cm x 1.8 m (2" x 2 yd).
Conforming Stretch Bandage (3"): 2 x Rolls, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 7.6 cm x 1.8 m (3" x 2 yd).
Compress/Pressure Dressings: 4 x Sterile compress/pressure dressings with ties, 10.2 x 10.2 cm (4" x 4").
Triangular Bandages: 4 x Cotton triangular bandages with 2 safety pins each, 101.6 x 101.6 x 142.2 cm (40" x 40" x 56").
Adhesive Tape: 4.6 m x 2.5 cm (1") roll of adhesive tape.
Antiseptic Towelettes: 50 x Antiseptic wound cleansing towelettes, individually wrapped.
Hand/Skin Cleansing Towelettes: 12 x Hand/skin cleansing towelettes, individually wrapped (or equivalent).
CPR Barrier Device: 1 x CPR resuscitation barrier device with one-way valve (barrier type or pocket mask).
Examination Gloves: 8 x Pairs of disposable, medical grade, non-latex, powder-free examination gloves.
Biohazard Bags: 2 x Single-use biohazard waste disposal bags.
Bandage Scissors: 1 x Stainless steel bandage scissors.
Splinter Forceps: 1 x Fine point stainless steel splinter forceps/tweezers.
Emergency Blanket: 1 x Aluminized emergency blanket, non-stretch polyester, minimum 132 x 213 cm (52" x 84").
Arterial Bleed Tourniquet: 1 x Arterial bleed tourniquet, windlass or ratcheting type. (BC-specific mandatory requirement — not in CSA standard alone)
PPE (BC-specific): 6 x Medical grade face masks & 2 x Face shield or safety eyewear.
Documentation: Contents list and blank first aid records are present in the kit.
Part C: WorkSafeBC Intermediate First Aid Kit Contents (CSA Z1220-17 + BC Requirements)
Adhesive Bandages: 50 x Sterile adhesive bandages, assorted sizes (standard strip, large fingertip, knuckle, large patch).
Gauze Pads (3"): 24 x Sterile gauze pads, individually wrapped, 7.6 x 7.6 cm (3" x 3").
Gauze Pads (4"): 12 x Sterile gauze pads, individually wrapped, 10.2 x 10.2 cm (4" x 4").
Non-Adherent Dressings: 8 x Sterile non-adherent dressings, individually wrapped, 5.1 x 7.6 cm (2" x 3").
Abdominal Pads: 2 x Sterile abdominal pads, individually wrapped, 12.7 x 22.9 cm (5" x 9").
Conforming Stretch Bandage (2"): 2 x Rolls, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 5.1 cm x 1.8 m (2" x 2 yd).
Conforming Stretch Bandage (3"): 2 x Rolls, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 7.6 cm x 1.8 m (3" x 2 yd).
Compress/Pressure Dressings (4"): 2 x Sterile compress/pressure dressings with ties, 10.2 x 10.2 cm (4" x 4").
Compress/Pressure Dressings (6"): 2 x Sterile compress/pressure dressings with ties, 15.2 x 15.2 cm (6" x 6").
Triangular Bandages: 4 x Cotton triangular bandages with 2 safety pins each, 101.6 x 101.6 x 142.2 cm (40" x 40" x 56").
Arterial Bleed Tourniquet: 1 x Arterial bleed tourniquet, windlass or ratcheting type. (BC-specific mandatory requirement)
Adhesive Tape: 4.6 m x 2.5 cm (1") roll of adhesive tape.
Elastic Compression Bandages: 2 x Elastic support/compression bandages, 7.6 cm (3").
Eye Dressing Sets: 2 x Sets of sterile eye dressing pads and eye shield with elastic strap. (Particularly critical for construction — verify stock given high eye injury risk from debris, grinding, and concrete dust)
Cold Packs: 2 x Cold packs or equivalent. Check seals — important for sprains, strains, and crush injury management common on construction sites.
Antiseptic Towelettes: 50 x Antiseptic wound cleansing towelettes, individually wrapped.
Hand/Skin Cleansing Towelettes: 12 x Hand/skin cleansing towelettes, individually wrapped (or equivalent).
Glucose Source: 2 x Doses of a source of glucose as recommended by Diabetes Canada. Check expiry dates.
CPR Pocket Mask: 1 x CPR pocket mask with one-way valve.
Examination Gloves: 8 x Pairs of disposable, medical grade, non-latex, powder-free examination gloves.
Biohazard Bags: 4 x Single-use biohazard waste disposal bags.
Bandage Scissors: 1 x Stainless steel bandage scissors with angled blunt tip, minimum 14 cm (5.5").
Splinter Forceps: 1 x Fine point stainless steel splinter forceps/tweezers, minimum 11.4 cm (4.5").
Malleable Splint: 1 x Padded malleable splint, minimum 10.2 x 61 cm (4" x 24"). (Critical for construction — fracture management for falls and struck-by incidents)
Emergency Blankets: 2 x Aluminized emergency blankets, non-stretch polyester, minimum 132 x 213 cm (52" x 84"). Essential for outdoor sites and shock management.
PPE (BC-specific): 6 x Medical grade face masks & 2 x Face shield or safety eyewear.
Documentation: Contents list and blank first aid records are present in the kit.
Part C: WorkSafeBC Advanced First Aid Kit Contents (CSA Z1220-17 + BC Requirements)
Adhesive Bandages: 50 x Sterile adhesive bandages, assorted sizes (standard strip, large fingertip, knuckle, large patch).
Gauze Pads (3"): 24 x Sterile gauze pads, individually wrapped, 7.6 x 7.6 cm (3" x 3").
Gauze Pads (4"): 12 x Sterile gauze pads, individually wrapped, 10.2 x 10.2 cm (4" x 4").
Non-Adherent Dressings: 8 x Sterile non-adherent dressings, individually wrapped, 5.1 x 7.6 cm (2" x 3").
Abdominal Pads: 2 x Sterile abdominal pads, individually wrapped, 12.7 x 22.9 cm (5" x 9").
Conforming Stretch Bandage (2"): 2 x Rolls, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 5.1 cm x 1.8 m (2" x 2 yd).
Conforming Stretch Bandage (3"): 2 x Rolls, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 7.6 cm x 1.8 m (3" x 2 yd).
Compress/Pressure Dressings (4"): 2 x Sterile compress/pressure dressings with ties, 10.2 x 10.2 cm (4" x 4").
Compress/Pressure Dressings (6"): 2 x Sterile compress/pressure dressings with ties, 15.2 x 15.2 cm (6" x 6").
Triangular Bandages: 4 x Cotton triangular bandages with 2 safety pins each, 101.6 x 101.6 x 142.2 cm (40" x 40" x 56").
Arterial Bleed Tourniquet: 1 x Arterial bleed tourniquet, windlass or ratcheting type. (BC-specific mandatory requirement)
Adhesive Tape: 4.6 m x 2.5 cm (1") roll of adhesive tape.
Elastic Compression Bandages: 2 x Elastic support/compression bandages, 7.6 cm (3").
Eye Dressing Sets: 3 x Sets of sterile eye dressing pads and eye shield with elastic strap.
Cold Packs: 2 x Cold packs or equivalent. Check seals.
Antiseptic Towelettes: 50 x Antiseptic wound cleansing towelettes, individually wrapped.
Hand/Skin Cleansing Towelettes: 12 x Hand/skin cleansing towelettes, individually wrapped (or equivalent).
Glucose Source: 2 x Doses of a source of glucose as recommended by Diabetes Canada. Check expiry dates.
CPR Pocket Mask: 1 x CPR pocket mask with one-way valve.
Examination Gloves: 8 x Pairs of disposable, medical grade, non-latex, powder-free examination gloves.
Biohazard Bags: 4 x Single-use biohazard waste disposal bags.
Bandage Scissors: 1 x Stainless steel scissors with angled blunt tip, minimum 14 cm (5.5").
Splinter Forceps: 1 x Fine point stainless steel splinter forceps/tweezers, minimum 11.4 cm (4.5").
Malleable Splint: 1 x Padded malleable splint, minimum 10.2 x 61 cm (4" x 24").
Emergency Blankets: 2 x Aluminized emergency blankets, non-stretch polyester, minimum 132 x 213 cm (52" x 84").
PPE (BC-specific): 6 x Medical grade face masks & 1 x Face shield or safety eyewear.
Portable Oxygen Therapy Unit: 1 x Unit consisting of a cylinder of compressed oxygen, pressure regulator, pressure gauge, flow meter, non-rebreathing mask, and nasal cannula. Check cylinder pressure and expiry dates on masks. Verify the cylinder is within its hydrostatic test date. (Advanced kit requirement — OHS Regulation; required on larger construction sites and remote operations)
Oropharyngeal Airway Kit: 1 x Oropharyngeal airway kit. Check for correct sizes and integrity of packaging.
Bag-Valve Mask: 1 x Manually operated self-inflating bag-valve mask with oxygen reservoir.
Digital Pulse Oximeter: 1 x Digital pulse oximeter. Verify battery and functionality.
Portable Suction Unit: 1 x Portable suction unit. Verify operational.
Penlight or Flashlight: 1 x Penlight or flashlight. Verify battery and functionality. (Particularly important for enclosed spaces, underground work, or low-light conditions on construction sites)
Documentation: Contents list, blank first aid records, and patient assessment charts are present in the kit.
Understanding BC Construction First Aid Requirements
BC workplace first aid for construction sites is governed by Part 3 of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulation , administered by WorkSafeBC . Significant amendments took effect November 1, 2024 , aligning BC's kit standards with the national CSA Z1220-17 standard while adding BC-specific requirements — including mandatory arterial bleed tourniquets in all Basic kits and above, PPE requirements for all attendants, and mandatory annual drills with documented results.
Construction is classified as a high hazard workplace under WorkSafeBC's hazard rating system, alongside manufacturing, mining, and heavy industry. This means the Schedule 3-A tables used to determine your minimum first aid requirements are the most demanding. For most construction sites, the minimum starting point is an Intermediate first aid kit and a certified first aid attendant (Intermediate level, formerly OFA 2) on every shift. Larger sites, sites with more than 50 workers, or sites located more than 30 minutes from BCEHS ambulance service will typically require an Advanced kit , an Advanced-level attendant, and a formal emergency transport vehicle on site.
Construction sites present unique compliance challenges because the workplace is itself a moving target — crew sizes, hazard profiles, and site layouts change constantly. WorkSafeBC requires the First Aid Assessment to be reviewed whenever there is a significant change in operations , which in construction often means a new project phase, a change in subcontractor mix, or a shift to more hazardous work such as excavation, structural steel, or demolition. On multi-employer worksites , the prime contractor must coordinate first aid services across all trades and document that responsibility clearly. Every individual employer on site remains legally responsible for the first aid coverage of their own workers. This audit tool helps BC construction operators verify compliance across all three layers: site-specific hazard readiness, WorkSafeBC administrative requirements, and exact kit contents per the CSA Z1220-17 standard.
