Most construction companies I speak with believe the new AED rules coming into effect on January 1, 2026, are simple. Buy a unit, put it on the construction site, and compliance is achieved. The truth is far more complicated. Regulation 157/25 under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act and Bill 30 involve many unknowns. Misunderstanding them could create financial risk, operational headaches, and a false sense of safety.
Bill 30 Reimbursement Is Not Guaranteed
Over the past few months, I have spoken with construction companies planning their entire safety budgets on the assumption that every AED purchased will be reimbursed through Bill 30. Many believe the $2,500 reimbursement per unit is guaranteed. Some assume buying early or in bulk gives them a head start. None of these assumptions are confirmed. Bill 30 is not active. There is no finalized WSIB reimbursement plan, and there is no clarity on eligibility, caps, or limits. In fact, purchasing AEDs before Bill 30 is officially enacted could make a company entirely ineligible for reimbursement. This creates real financial risk, especially for companies planning large purchases that can total hundreds of thousands of dollars. Relying on assumptions rather than confirmed guidance is a gamble no safety manager should take.
Regulation 157/25 Raises Operational Questions
Even if funding were guaranteed, Regulation 157/25 is about far more than owning an AED. It introduces responsibilities and operational considerations that are still unclear:
- Who is responsible for having the AED on site?
- What happens when multiple trades share a construction site?
- Does every company need its own unit, or only the primary builder?
- Who maintains the device?
- Who is trained to use it?
- How should AEDs be stored during Canadian winters?
- What safety policies and procedures need updating?
- What happens if an AED freezes and becomes non-operational?
These are not minor details. They are the difference between true compliance and a false sense of security.
A Real-World Example
One company approached us planning to purchase 135 AED units. At first, they assumed ordering the devices was enough to meet the regulation. Once we walked through the operational realities including maintenance, storage, sub-zero considerations, training requirements, and policy updates, they realized they were not ready to place the order. What they needed first was a plan. They needed clarity. They needed a partner who understands the realities of deploying AEDs on real job sites.
What Companies Need to Consider Before January 1, 2026
Regulation 157/25 will be enforced starting January 1. Enforcement does not eliminate the unanswered questions. Companies need to understand what is known, what remains uncertain, and what must be addressed before making decisions that affect their people, their budgets, and their compliance. Preparation is about more than devices. It is about training, procedures, maintenance, storage, and accountability. Without these components, compliance is superficial at best.
Conclusion
The new AED rules are coming, and buying a unit is just the beginning. Companies that take the time to understand operational realities, training needs, storage requirements, and policy updates will be positioned to meet both the letter and the spirit of the law. If your team wants clarity, guidance, or support with AED deployment, training, or policy updates, First Aid Canada is ready to help. A plan in place today prevents surprises tomorrow.
Reach out to First Aid Canada to ensure your worksite is ready for Ontario’s AED requirements. Don’t wait until the enforcement date to figure out how to meet obligations safely and effectively.