First Aid – Multiple employers in a single place of employment – fixed workplaces (does not apply to project site) Legislative Interpretations

Question

At my place of employment, we have multiple employers in a single workplace. Can we have an agreement to share first aid kits, first aid providers and first aid room?

Answer

It is possible for multiple employers to enter into an agreement to share first aid resources when working in a single fixed workplace. The agreement must be in writing and communicated to all employees at the workplace.

If the level of risk or the nature of the activities by the different employers at the workplace varies, first aid resources must be provided based on the highest level of risk (intermediate kits and training level, for example).

Each employer is responsible to ensure that first aid resources are always available to all their employees working at the workplace and the legislative requirements of the First Aid Regulation 2004-130 are met. Requirements include, but are not limited to:

• First aid resources must be available and readily accessible during working hours (shifts between employers may vary).
• Any change (location of kit, designated first aid providers, etc.) must be communicated and implemented promptly by all employers.
• Designated first aid providers must not perform work that would limit their ability to administer first aid.

Referenced Legislation

4(1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), an employer shall provide and maintain first aid kits, first aid providers and first aid rooms at a place of employment in accordance with the standards established in subsection 7(0.1) and with Schedule A for the maximum number of employees present during a shift.