WorkSafeBC First Aid Requirements: What Every Surrey Business Owner Needs to Know in 2026
Compliance isn't optional—it's the law. Here is your roadmap to avoiding fines and protecting your team.
If you own a business in Surrey, Delta, or Abbotsford, you have a lot on your plate. Payroll, inventory, marketing... and safety. Many business owners assume that buying a cheap First Aid kit from a pharmacy and throwing it in the breakroom is enough.
It is not.
Under the British Columbia Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (specifically Guidelines G3.16), every employer must conduct a formal assessment to determine what level of First Aid coverage they need. Failure to comply can result in hefty fines from WorkSafeBC and, more importantly, liability if an employee is injured.
At RupIELTS and First Aid Training Institute, we don't just teach students; we partner with local businesses to ensure they are compliant. Here is what you need to know.
The "First Aid Assessment"
You cannot guess what you need. You must calculate it based on three factors:
The 3 Variables of Compliance
- Hazard Rating: Is your workplace "Low Risk" (Office, Bank) or "High Risk" (Warehouse, Construction, Factory)?
- Distance to Hospital: Is a hospital more or less than 20 minutes away? (In Surrey, traffic can change this answer significantly!).
- Number of Workers: How many people are on a shift at one time?
Common Scenarios for Surrey Businesses
Let's look at two typical examples we see in our area.
Scenario A: The Law Firm
Location: Newton (Urban)
Workforce: 15 Staff
Risk: Low
Requirement: You likely need an OFA Level 1 attendant and a Basic First Aid Kit.
Scenario B: The Manufacturing Plant
Location: Tilbury Industrial Park
Workforce: 35 Staff
Risk: High
Requirement: You likely need an OFA Level 2 attendant, a First Aid Room, and specialized equipment.
The "First Aid Attendant" Rule
Having a kit isn't enough. You need a human being trained to use it. This person must hold a valid certificate from an approved training agency (like RupIELTS).
Important Note: The First Aid attendant must be readily available. They cannot be a delivery driver who is out of the building for 4 hours. They must be on-site. This is why many companies train multiple staff members—if your main First Aid guy calls in sick, your business might be legally required to shut down until a replacement arrives.
Your Compliance Checklist
- Conduct Assessment: Complete the written WorkSafeBC assessment worksheet.
- Train Staff: Send key employees to RupIELTS for OFA Level 1 or Level 2 training.
- Buy Kits: Purchase the correct grade of kit (Level 1, 2, or 3) and inspect it monthly.
- Post Signage: You must have signs visible to all employees stating who the First Aid attendant is and how to call them.
- Record Keeping: You must have a First Aid Record book to log every injury, no matter how small.
Need to Train Your Team?
We offer corporate group rates for businesses in Surrey and Delta. We can even come to your site for groups.
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