Toronto, June 22, 2026 – The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) is launching a modernized First Aid Program to help ensure safer workplaces across Ontario. The updated program, effective today, will improve the quality and consistency of workplace first aid training, making it easier for people to access effective training no matter where they are in the province.
“Updating the First Aid Program is a critical step forward to strengthen workplace first aid training,” said Rod Cook, Vice President, Workplace Health and Safety Services at the WSIB. “Our goal is to make sure that people have access to the highest quality first aid training, no matter their location, so they’re prepared to respond in a medical emergency.”
The WSIB’s program covers 76 per cent of Ontario businesses, under First Aid Regulation 1101, which provides guidelines for how many first aiders are needed on worksites, as well as other requirements for first aid kits and stations.
Key updates to the First Aid Program include:
- Bringing training in line with national standards set by Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Z1210:24, First aid training for the workplace — Curriculum and quality management for training agencies. This ensures that the training Ontarians receive is consistent with the highest national standards for quality and content.
- Expanding the network of approved training providers to 65 across Ontario to further enhance accessibility.
- Instituting First Aid Program badges to verify the status of approved providers and their affiliates. Only WSIB-approved providers are authorized to deliver workplace first aid training in the province.
“By bringing our program up to national standards and expanding our network of approved providers, we’re breaking down barriers for businesses,” said Carrie Briley, Director, Health and Safety Program Design at the WSIB. “We’re also making it easy for people to spot and access WSIB approved providers so it’s easier than ever for workplaces to get the training they need.”
The WSIB will continue to accept all workplace first aid certificates from anywhere in Canada, provided they meet the CSA Z1210 standard. Removing interprovincial barriers means it will be easier for first aiders to recertify their credentials in Ontario. All first aid certificates issued by previous WSIB-approved providers up until June 21, 2026, will remain valid until their expiry date.
Visit wsib.ca to learn more about the modernized First Aid Program, find an approved provider, or view frequently asked questions.
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For further information, please contact:
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