An employer following CSA workplace first aid requirements must provide and keep readily accessible the type, size, and number of first aid kits meeting the requirements set out in “CSA Z1220-17, First Aid Kits for the Workplace”.

The type and size of first aid kit required for a workplace is determined by the number of workers per shift, the workplace hazard rating as well as the likelihood of harm. See summary below:

Organizations must conduct a workplace first aid risk assessment to determine the level of first aid services and equipment required in a particular workplace.
*In Canada, some jurisdictions provide lists/classifications of workplaces that can help identify an organization’s risk level based on the nature of the work. In addition, health and safety organizations in some jurisdictions can aid employers in determining workplace hazard ratings. One example of such a resource is the WorkSafeBC Assigned Hazard Rating List.

*Note: The CSA Standards for first aid kits do not include:
a) requirements for first aid rooms or first aid stations
b) requirements for workplace first aid incident reporting and recording, which can be subject to federal, provincial, or territorial legislation or organizational policies.
c) specialized first aid supplies and equipment for particular workplaces (e.g., marine, mining, forestry, transportation, pools, and school buses) where specific legislation could apply; and
d) particular environments where the authority having jurisdiction has specific legislation and requirements for workplace first aid supplies/equipment (ie. school buses, pools, marine, mining, forestry and transportation).